1842-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. FS-301. Repunched Date. MS-65 (PCGS). CAC.A simply marvelous Gem that ranks high in the Condition Census for this conditionally challenging early New Orleans Mint issue. Both sides are noticeably prooflike in finish, the fields well mirrored and contrasting nicely with softly frosted design elements. The same lapping of the dies that imparted this prooflike finish also effaced the drapery details around Libertys left elbow, introducing reflective areas within that part of the portrait. Near-fully struck and attractively toned in light, iridescent silver-apricot. Al Blythe (1992) describes the 1842-O as "one of the key dates in the half dime series," and with good reason. This workhorse issue was produced to the extent of just 350,000 coins, that vast majority of which were consumed by commercial use. The author assigns an impressive Rarity-6 rating to Mint State survivors. Q. David Bowers (2016) expands upon the rarity of Gems with an estimate of just six to nine coins extant in grades of MS-65 and finer. Perhaps not surprisingly, auction appearances for certified Gems have been few and far between in recent years, and with several examples in this highly select group bluntly struck at Libertys head, the opportunity to acquire this expertly produced and carefully preserved example deserves serious bidder consideration.<p>Close inspection with a loupe reveals minor repunching at the top of the digits 18 and 2 in the date, most noticeably within the upper loop of the 8. This variety is apparently unlisted in both Valentine and Blythe. On the reverse, which is rotated a few degrees counterclockwise from normal coin alignment, the mintmark is left of the ribbon knot and there are a few minor peripheral cracks, the most prominent of which extends from the border at 6 oclock into the right ribbon end.PCGS# 4331. NGC ID: 2333.PCGS Population: 4; 2 finer (both MS-66).From the Henry Collection of Liberty Seated Half Dimes. Earlier ex Bob R. Simpson Collection; Tom Bender Collection.
