Owner Comments:
NGC graded MS 65 BN, CAC approved, EAC MS63
Variety: N-9, Dartboard Obverse, die state c, CC#4.
This is a really cool coin. It has no post-strike impairments, other than the fading original color. It still has a good amount of coppery color, though. The surfaces, though unmarked, are somewhat rough and flow-lined due to the late state of the dies. The misplaced 1 at the ear is still clear, but the other errant digits are a bit hard to see.
I've owned and sold three MS65BN 1854 large cents before getting this one, which I bought raw from Tom Reynolds (on consignment) at the July 2006 Baltimore show. This one is far superior to those others. I'm dissatisfied by the grade, as this coin has almost enough original color for an RB designation, and its overall surface quality is better than virtually all other MS65 late dates I've seen. It beats my 1851 MS67BN. CAC agrees at least that it is PQ for the grade.