Lot 1464
1841-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. NGC graded MS-66. Frosty white coin. This issue's original mintage of 815,000 pieces may be respectable by the standards of the early Seated Half Dime series, but it is still limited in an absolute sense. Add to this a heavy rate of attrition from domestic circulation and one can easily understand why the 1841-O is a scarce-to-rare coin in all grades. Gems (MS-65 and MS-66) currently number just four pieces at PCGS and NGC, and all of these coins easily qualify as high Condition Census.
As befits the die marriage, this gorgeous example possesses overall sharp striking definition that is perhaps most praiseworthy over Liberty's head and foot on the obverse. Shimmering, softly frosted luster is full throughout, and the surfaces are untoned save for the lightest whispers of golden iridescence here and there at the rims. With no outwardly distracting handling marks, this coin is solidly graded at the MS-66 level. A loupe reveals a tiny reverse abrasion in the field below the L in HALF that should help trace the pedigree of this important rarity in the Half Dime series.
Light clashmarks (as struck) are seen in a few isolated field areas around the central devices, particularly on the reverse. A loupe also reveals evidence of light die rust (again, as made) both in the fields and over several of the devices. The latter feature is seen quite often on Seated coinage from the New Orleans Mint. Pop 2; 1 finer in 67.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
|
| |
| Realized $10,925 |
