1841-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. V-4. MS-67+ (NGC).Brilliant satin white surfaces with only the barest wisps of the very lightest blue and pale rose along the periphery and by the date, providing ample visual interest for the advanced half dime specialist. There is light clashing evident on the obverse, especially along Libertys left arm. The 815,000 half dimes struck at New Orleans in 1841 represent a small dip in the mintage figures for the denomination from the previous two years. The V-4 obverse is well defined with a full head, shield and toe, compared to some of the earlier Valentine varieties where these features are not nearly as well struck up. The reverse is a different story and reveals the significant die rust that was no doubt caused by the muggy Southern climate, as well as an extensive series of die cracks that define the V-4 variety, all of which lend considerable interest to this early Southern issue. The 1841-O half dimes promptly entered circulation in the South and remained there for decades. While the issue is only moderately scarce in the circulated grade levels and can be located without much difficulty, the story changes dramatically at Mint State where at best two dozen are thought extant. Gem examples are excessively rare and are intensely desirable. The present coin lies firmly at the top of the mountain and unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.
