1859 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-67 (PCGS).A dazzling example struck on the cusp of the Civil War. The complexion is dramatically prooflike, with icy, reflective fields set against frosted design elements. Virtually brilliant and snowy, with impressively sharp definition throughout. A pristine survivor from a mintage of 340,000 circulation strikes. Although not widely recognized as such by more generalized collectors, the Philadelphia Mint half dimes of 1859 (Legend Reverse and Transitional) and 1860 (Transitional) represent a distinct subtype in the wider Liberty Seated series. These issues feature an obverse with refinements attributed to Assistant Engraver Anthony C. Paquet and identifiable by, among other things, hollow-center stars and a larger liberty cap that is closer to the border. This conditionally scarce Superb Gem is ideally suited for inclusion in an advanced type set or specialized collection of Liberty Seated coinage.PCGS Population: 13; 22 finer.
