This gorgeous Superb Gem should be seen to be fully appreciated. Both sides are beautifully toned in a patchwork of antique gold, cobalt blue, reddish-russet and steely-copper iridescence that yields to virtual brilliance toward the central obverse. Satiny luster is full, vibrant and smooth at the assigned grade level. Boldly struck throughout, and uncommonly so for a circulation strike half dime from the late 1850s. This lovely coin is sure to impress even the most discerning collector.The aftermath of the Act of February 21, 1853 saw half dime production at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans mints remain strong for most years until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1858 the Philadelphia Mint struck 3,500,000 pieces for circulation, resulting in an issue that is overall common in todays market. High quality survivors are scarce, nonetheless, with Q. David Bowers estimating only 150 to 200 survivors grading MS-65 or finer in the new reference <em>A Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coins</em> (2016). The vast majority of those coins cannot hold a candle to this exceptional Superb Gem -- a coin of near-singular quality and beauty. When we further consider that PCGS has certified just 12 examples of the Stars Obverse Liberty Seated type as a whole in MS-68, with a mere three finer in MS-68+, the significance of this coin for both high grade type and date purposes is confirmed.,,PCGS# 4367. NGC ID: 233U.,PCGS Population: just 3; 0 finer.,
