1866 Liberty Seated Dime. Fortin-102b. Rarity-6. MS-67 (PCGS).Stellar quality for this low mintage, key date circulation strike Liberty Seated dime issue from the early Reconstruction era. Both sides are richly original in preservation with an overlay of mottled olive-russet to a base of soft antique silver iridescence. Semi-prooflike reflectivity shines forth from the obverse field at direct viewing angles, the balance of the coin with a frosty mint finish. Sharply struck overall and exceptionally well preserved to border on pristine.<p>Contrary to contemporary expectation, the end of the Civil War in 1865 did not result in the immediate return of gold and silver coinage to commercial use in the East and Midwest. For the latter, that momentous event was delayed until April 20, 1876, on which date silver and paper currency reached parity for the first time since early in the Civil War. Throughout much for the Reconstruction era, therefore, circulation strike silver coinage at the Philadelphia Mint remained as limited as it had been from 1863 through 1865. In the specific case of the 1866 dime, the mintage amounted to 8,000 coins, a paltry total that has long bestowed key date status on this issue.<p>Writing at the <em>seateddimevarities.com</em> website, Gerry Fortin states that the 1866 is, "Rare as a business [sic] strike in circulated grades and Mint State." Q. David Bowers expands on this theme in his 2016 <em>Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coin</em>s, in which he offers an estimated Mint State population of just 55 to 70 coins. Only 12 to 15 examples grade MS-65 or finer, per Bowers, and with the vast majority of those in Gem MS-65 or MS-66, Superb Gems are of the utmost rarity. Tied for finest certified at PCGS with only two other grading events in MS-67, this CC#1 offering from the Millholland Collection represents what could very well be a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity for the advanced Liberty Seated dime enthusiast.PCGS# 4643. NGC ID: 239S.PCGS Population: 3; 0 finer.From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
