1853-O H10C No Arrows MS(PCGS#4352)

The June 2013 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1158

Grade

XF40

Price

2,585

Lot Description

1853-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. No Arrows. V-1, the only known dies. EF-40 (PCGS). The offered half dime displays blended blue, violet, and rose iridescence and a bold mintmark. The date numerals are faint in areas as is characteristic of the variety, but easily readable. Despite a mintage of 160,000 pieces, PCGS has certified fewer than 20 examples as EF-40 or finer. It seems likely that a large portion of the mintage remained unissued, and subsequently melted into bullion when the weight of the half dime was reduced pursuant to the Act of February 21,1853.