1863 Liberty Seated Half Dime. V-1, the only known dies. Repunched Date. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC.One would be hard pressed to find a more technically sound, visually appealing example of this key date Liberty Seated half dime issue from the Philadelphia Mint. The obverse is beautifully toned throughout with a target-like distribution to golden-apricot, powder blue and reddish-pink iridescence. The central reverse remains brilliant, and it is ringed in intense peripheral toning of powder blue and champagne-pink. Both sides are intensely lustrous with a sharp strike and virtually pristine surfaces. The disappearance of silver coinage from circulation in the Eastern and Midwestern states was one of the most significant economic effects of the outbreak of civil war in 1861. By 1863 the Philadelphia Mint was striking only limited quantities of silver coins; the half dime saw only 18,000 circulation strikes produced. None of those coins were placed into circulation at the time, and only banks, merchants and others who were willing to pay a premium in Legal Tender notes could obtain examples from the Mint. Uncirculated survivors are scarce when viewed in the wider context of U.S. numismatics and in the finest Mint State grades, as here, the 1863 is rare. This popular issue is always in demand with Liberty Seated enthusiasts.<p>The Mint used the same die pairing the strike both Proof and circulation strike half dimes in 1863, a not uncommon occurrence during eras of limited production in the latter format. The obverse die of this issue is readily identifiable by repunching to the digits 18 in the date.PCGS# 4382. NGC ID: 234C.PCGS Population: 1; 4 finer (all MS-68).From the Henry Collection of Liberty Seated Half Dimes. Earlier from Heritages FUN Signature Auction of January 2013, lot 3904.
