ANACS authenticated and graded AU 58 Details. Looks like a mint state cent that was coated with lacquer following a light cleaning on the reverse. The obverse is lustrous steel brown and chocolate with bluish steel overtones. The reverse is mostly red with steel brown toning on the highpoints. The only marks are a few light nicks on the obverse, mostly on the face and neck. E-MDS, die state a, with die rust evident around the date. The die lines from the neck are strong. One of the finest known of the earlier die state of this variety; most of the high grade examples are from the late die state (Newcomb's old #13). This cent may benefit if the lacquer is removed. Comes with a very nice provenance. 

Ex; Homer K. Downing 4/5/1948 - Willard C. Blaisdell 9/1976 - Del Bland - R. E. Naftzger, Jr. - Naftzger Estate, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 9/7/2009:954

Year - 1849

Variety - N-23

Rarity - 3