1844-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. V-2. Small O. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC.This is a richly original, boldly toned example of one of the leading condition rarities in the Liberty Seated half dime series. Dressed in blended steel, copper, blue-gray and pale rose patina, the surfaces are satiny in texture and uncommonly smooth for the assigned grade. Sharply defined in all but a few isolated areas, this is a lovely piece that represents a significant find for the advanced specialist in Liberty Seated or New Orleans Mint coinage.<p>The 1844-O half dime is an elusive, if not rare issue in Mint State. Much of its mintage of 220,000 pieces was absorbed by the rigors of commerce in the "Big Easy," and todays survivors are apt to be heavily circulated in grades of Fine and VF. The 1844-O is one of just nine issues in the entire Liberty Seated half dime series, 1837 to 1873, with a <em>Guide Book</em> value in MS-60 listed in the four-figure range. In MS-60, this is actually the fourth most highly priced issue in that reference. If a high quality 1844-O is on your wish list, you should make bidding plans right now, as the chances of a comparable piece showing up any time soon in the numismatic marketplace are pretty slim.PCGS Population: 5; 5 finer (MS-65 finest).
