Owner Comments:
1881 1C barber Liberty head
Judd-1665, Pollock-1865
Rarity: High R.6, CAC Endorsed.
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in nickel with a plain edge.
Obverse: The motifs closely resemble those on the issued 1883 Liberty nickel where Liberty wears a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY i incused letters and behind are the heads of a wheat and cotton leaves and bolls.
however, unlike the Liberty head nickel of of 1883 the obverse stars are absent in favor of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse: The Roman numeral I for the denomination within a wreath of cotton and corn .
Comment:
These designs were also used on the three cent (Judd-1668) and five cent (Judd-1671) designs of this year. Probably about two dozen examples of Judd-1665 are extant. This impressive Choice proof is sharply detailed throughout, with lightly marked surfaces that are blanketed in attractive shades of lavender-gray and sea-green toning.
Provenance/Appearances:
From the Bob Simpson Collection, Heritage April 2021 Central States Signature Auction / Lot #4300; prior Possible the Superior 2/4/1992 The Century Collection Sale piece /Lot #1967 (appears a couple of small diagnostics marks are common even with the low quality B&W internet image)