1862 H10C MS(PCGS#4381)

August 2020 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2564

Grade

MS67

Price

1,140

Lot Description

1862 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-67 (NGC). This captivating Superb Gem exhibits semi-prooflike reflectivity in the fields that forms a splendid backdrop to smartly impressed, frosty-textured design elements. Both sides are predominantly brilliant, although we do note pretty peripheral highlights in iridescent golden-apricot that are more pronounced on the obverse. Circulation strike half dime production remained strong at the Philadelphia Mint in 1862, despite the fact that by the early summer of that year silver had disappeared from circulation in the East and Midwest due to the uncertain situation created by the Civil War. With a generous mintage of 1,492,550 pieces and a good rate of survival for Mint State coins, this is a popular type issue with quality-conscious collectors. Most will have to settle for an example in lower grades, however, for MS-67s such as this are rare in an absolute sense. Outstanding! At least two sets of particularly bold clash marks are readily evident on both sides of this interesting coin when studied with the aid of a loupe. These are particularly pronounced on the obverse around Liberty's head and in the right field, and in the reverse around the letters ME in DIME. Close inspection with a loupe reveals considerable evidence of die rust on the obverse in the form of light granularity (as made) throughout Liberty's portrait. Provenance: From the Henry Collection of Liberty Seated Half Dimes. NGC Census: 24; 8 finer (MS-68+ finest. PCGS# 4381. NGC ID: 234B. Click here for certification details from NGC.