1859 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC. This richly original example exhibits blended champagne-gold and salmon-pink iridescence to dominant steely-charcoal patina. Serene surfaces border on perfection, the luster full and frosty, and the design elements with razor sharp striking detail. 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 an advanced type set or specialized collection of Liberty Seated coinage.
