I picked it up in the Long Beach auction earlier this year. I don't know if anyone read the full description of the coin, but I caught the variety right off in the hi res pictures. It is a first year issue proof, a variety with a 1 over 1 in the date. I just got it back from NGC after having them confirm the variety and document it. Highest grade known of the variety. I'm kinda proud of this one.
Pretty coin. This has the listing. 1883 5C No Cents PR67 NGC. The flag of an errant numeral 1 protrudes from the left upright of the primary 1 in the date. The variety is interesting, but the real attraction is the Superb Gem quality of this ice-blue proof. Fully struck on the raised devices, the hair, stars, and wreath are razor-sharp. A few scattered areas of gray patina along the left reverse edge add to the toning palette. Neither PCGS nor NGC report a numerically finer example of this one-year type. Census: 20 in 67 (1 in 67 ★ ), 0 finer (1/17).(Registry values: N2998) (NGC ID# 22PU, PCGS# 3878)
A bitter-sweet ending today. I sold the 1883 proof nickel. I did however realize a nice gain for the time/effort and cherry picking to get the variety attributed. On to the next treasure hunt!