1844. NGC graded MS-64. A rare date in high grades, especially so in any grade of Mint State. This near gem stands tall as one of the absolute finest known of this prized issue. Hints of blue and golden tone here and there, with vibrant russet-gold accenting the peripherial devices as well as atop Liberty on the obverse. The central devices are also quite bright and frosty. About 70 years ago a dealer named Frank Ross hoarded up all the examples of this date he could find for some years. Then Ross wrote about how rare the dimes of 1844 are, and sold into the rising market with his hoard. Ross even gave a name to this date, the Little Orphan Annie dime, and this added to their popularity. At the time, Orphan Annie was a popular comic strip in the newspapers. I can only imagine today calling this "Sponge Bob" date or something similar. Only 72,500 struck. Pop 3; 1 finer in 65. <DOTLEADER> Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000