The 1848 Proof cent issue is desirable and somewhat enigmatic, as are most U.S. Mint Proof issues of the era. Walter Breen listed 13 specimens known to him, but commented, "I have excellent reason to believe that this enumeration is far from complete." The experts at PCGS CoinFacts estimate "10-15 known," but this is likely conservative. Early copper specialist Denis Loring lists quite a few appearances, but there is likely a good bit of duplication as many are old appearances and plates often are not available or so poor as to make such pieces nearly impossible to match. This said, the actual number known is probably between two and three dozen.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the July 2015 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $35,250.