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Auction 390 | Lot 21910 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, LM-1, R.3. --Scratched--NCS. VF Details. The obverse has some minor pin scratches, primarily in the fields, and on the reverse there is a deeper scratch from the back wing of the eagle to the rim between the IC of AMERICA. While these surface scratches are present, they are not as distracting as they could be, and the coin is toned with a pleasing light silver color with a hint of gold on the devices. The strike is typically sharp, and the wear generally even although we note that the tops of STR of INDUSTRY are a bit weak, and the right wing of the eagle fades into the field near the center of that device. This particular coin is a testament to the fact that these first Half Dismes were made for circulation. Although some were saved and remain in various states of uncirculated condition, most show wear to some degree.

These were struck in John Harper's cellar as the new Philadelphia Mint was not yet set up. The dies were engraved by Robert Birch, and by tradition Liberty is represented by Martha Washington from a painting by John Trumbull. George Washington provided the silver for the bullion to strike these coins, and this bullion was delivered by Thomas Jefferson on July 10, 1792 and Jefferson returned on July 12 to pick up the coins. As the summer heat brought the annual Yellow Fever epidemic to the Philadelphia area, Jefferson picked up the newly struck Half Dismes and took them to Monticello for the summer. On October 1, Jefferson returned to the city, but stopped on his way by Mt. Vernon to drop off these coins to Washington. During July 1792 the new Director of the Mint, David Rittenhouse had purchased the lots and buildings which would become the new Philadelphia Mint, and the months of August and September were filled with the renovations of the old distillery into a modern coining facility. Washington and others had been eager to start coinage as a proof of sovereignty of the new American nation, and issuing their own new coin (PCGS# 11020)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21911 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1794 H10C --Bent, Improperly Cleaned--NCS. VF Details. V-1, LM-1, R.6. Reiver state a. Early die state for this variety, with no trace of the obverse cracks which form later. The bend is not discernible in the holder, but must be slight as it is not readily apparent. As to the cleaning, there are some minor hairlines on the surfaces, but no distracting evidence is found of this event. The surfaces show a few old cuts and nicks, including a minor scrape down from the E of LIBERTY into the upper curls on Liberty's head. Toned an attractive medium gray throughout. A very scarce variety and the toughest of the four 1794 varieties to find in any grade. While not the prettiest example of this die pairing that exists, this coin does show the important die attributes, and the surfaces and quality are better than the NCS holder implies as the evidence of cleaning and the bend are minimal.
Ex: Ted Shiff, (September, 1983). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4250)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21912 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1794 H10C --Damaged--NCS. XF Details. V-2, LM-2, R.5. Reiver state a. The obverse and reverse have a number of scratches and dents, some on Liberty or the eagle, others in the fields. These are distracting, but the attributes of the coin are clearly defined, and much of the original detail remains. Toned a medium silver-gray on the obverse and most of the reverse, with a small area darker gold and green on the left side of the reverse where several scratches are found. A coin to be inspected prior to bidding as each collector will need to make their own evaluation of the surfaces.
Ex: Stack's Robison Sale, (December, 1982) lot 219. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4250)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21913 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1794 H10C V-3a, LM-3. R.4. AU55 NGC. Reiver state b. Dark charcoal gray in color throughout and attractive. The strike is sharp on the stars and Liberty's hair, and the reverse is also sharp. No adjustment marks or significant handling marks are present, and this coin is certain to please any advanced numismatist. Identifiable by a small nick on Liberty's temple, a small cut on her lower neck near her hair and a broken scuff in the left obverse field. The obverse has a die crack from the rim between stars five and six which curls up through the back of Liberty's head and out the E of LIBERTY. On this later die state, the reverse die has also cracked from the rim to the left wing of the eagle, branch, leaves below the left wing where the crack turns up into the lower breast of the eagle, and then apparently arcs down straight to the rim through the tail, with a branching crack extending horizontally through the right pair of leaves below the right wing, and out the rim through the R of AMERICA. Both dies were apparently retired after this marriage. Despite the dark color, this coin is quite beautiful and any advanced collector will appreciate the overall quality and late die state features which attest to the early struggles at the Philadelphia Mint.
No pedigree information included. (PCGS# 4250)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21914 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1794 H10C V-4, LM-4, R.4.--Obverse Repaired--NCS. XF Details. Reiver state a. The obverse has been carefully smoothed to cover over most of a minor scratch, with the smoothing located on Liberty's jaw and the lower right field. Toned a dark gray with lighter colors on the higher portions of the devices, and still an attractive coin. This is an early die state for the collector. On the reverse, we note a couple of dull nicks on the eagle's breast, and some minor surface scratches are present, including one below the right wing to the tail. All things considered, this is a decent coin despite the problems mentioned.
Ex: Hairfield (December, 1983). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4250)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21915 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1794 H10C V-4a, LM-4, R.4.--Damaged--NCS. XF Details. Reiver state b. This coin was likely in a fire as the surfaces show extensive heat damage and a few minor planchet cracks in the left obverse field. Most of the surfaces are rough from either corrosion or the pebbly appearance seen after a coin has been severely heated. There are some minor scratches and dents as well. Toned with mottled gold and gray. Despite all these disruptions, the devices are still rather sharp, and clearly display the elusive late die state. On the obverse we note a crack from the rim to star one into Liberty's hair. Another die crack extends through the lower points of star two, Liberty's curls, nose and out through star ten. The reverse has a die crack through the D of UNITED to the eagle's breast, and a heavier die crack down through the ES of STATES and out the AM of AMERICA. Clearly a difficult die state to obtain and this coin was purchased by Jules Reiver to show what is one of the later die states seen. Apparently a finer example was not obtained, although an even later die state example was, which is included in this sale.
No pedigree information included. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4250)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21916 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1794 H10C V-4a, LM-4, R.4.--Damaged--NCS. AG Details. Reiver state c. Dark gray throughout and the damage is minimal on the present coin. Apparently a few nicks and a moderate dent on Liberty's cheek kept this from a regular grade holder, as the surfaces really don't seem that damaged. Most of the devices are visible on the obverse, the date clear and Liberty's head complete. The stars on the left are sharp, but the stars on the right are generally gone from uneven wear. On this very late die state, the upper right reverse is strong (roughly ten percent of the coin), while the next portion of 40 percent or so is a bit weak but the devices are generally outlined. On the final lower portion, in the area below the horizontal die crack through the D of UNTIED to the eagle's breast, is generally weak or worn away.

This coin is classic Jules Reiver, a very late die state which shows the reverse die in three different levels. Of course it does not matter that the coin is a fairly low grade, this die state is an absolute delight to see and any specialist will have to agree that there are likely very few coins which show this reverse die so badly broken. Perhaps there are more out there, we don't know for sure, but this is a memorable offering for anyone who specializes in early American coinage and appreciates terminal die states. As with so many early or late die states in low grade from this collection, we must remind collectors that often another example simply was not available, and in some cases may not exist in any grade. This collection runs the gamut with coins such as this conditionally challenged AG-3 with damage to many that are considered the Finest Known of a particular variety or die state. For any variety collector of American Federal coinage of Half Cents through Silver Dollars, this sale will go down in history as one of the greatest opportunities to purchase rarities in every series for many years to come.
Purchased from an unknown source in June, 1993. (PCGS# 4250)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21917 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C XF45 NGC. V-1, LM-1, R.6. Reiver state a. A rare die pairing identified by the wide space between the Y in LIBERTY and the ninth star. The 95 in the date is lightly recut at the peak, not noted in the Logan-McCloskey reference. An early die state without the die crack to Liberty's forehead, although moderate mint-made clash marks are noted on both sides. The glossy and noticeably marked surfaces retain considerable shimmering brightness. Sharply struck throughout and a very difficult die marriage to find. Examination with a loupe will note moderate handling marks and a few trivial scratches on Liberty's face and neck.
Ex: Heritage's Sale, (March, 1998) lot 5075. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21918 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-10, LM-2, R.7. VF30 NGC. Reiver state a. Light rose-gold and gray toning throughout with a hint of blue in the fields. The strike is rather sharp on this early die state, with bold curls on Liberty and the eagle's feathers are well defined where not worn by limited circulation. There is a minor pin scratch down Liberty's cheek into the field, and a slightly deeper scratch on her lower neck. No adjustment marks or similar detractions are found on the surfaces besides those mentioned. This is apparently the most difficult die pairing to obtain of the difficult 1795 varieties, and the only variety to retain the R.7 rating with fewer than a dozen likely to exist. A mere three coins were reported in the John Reich Journal Condition Census of December, 2001 which includes the present coin. A foremost opportunity for the specialist. On this early die state there is no trace of the die crack on the obverse through the fifth star to Liberty's head and out the R to the rim. This is the plate coin from the 1975 Valentine reprint (page 159) to show this discovery coin not known to Valentine. It is interesting to note that both the 1795 V-1, LM-1 and the 1795 V-10, LM-2 were both struck before the 1794 V-4, LM-4 variety as all three used the same reverse die, and the 1794 issue shows that die with several die cracks as seen in the present sale, but on the 1795 issues, the reverse die is an early die state.
Ex: J. J. Teaparty (July, 1985). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21919 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-2a, LM-3, R.5.--Environmental Damage--NCS. VF Details. Dark steel gray and with decent surfaces, however, there is an area which has been damaged from Liberty's cheek, eye and into the field and stars nearby. This damaged area has poorly defined devices, and displays rough surfaces as though the coin were struck through something. Precisely what happened is not known, but this is a coin that should be inspected prior to bidding. A fairly early die state with the crack through the R to Liberty's head beginning to form. On the reverse there are a couple of minor crossing scratches on the eagle, one or both of which could be adjustment marks. The diagnostics are clear on the reverse and most of the obverse.
Ex: Jonathan Kern (October, 1991). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21920 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-2b, LM-3, R.5.--Whizzed--NCS. Fine Details. Reiver state b. The surfaces of this entire coin have been whizzed with the result being rather pebbly surfaces. Toned a mottled gray and silver, and not all that attractive today. There is a moderate scrape on the sixth obverse star and there is a shallow dent on the left wing of the eagle touching his breast. On this slightly later die state the dentils above R have formed a lump joining two together and a second faint crack extends down the right side of the R.
Ex: Jamie Rose (June, 1983). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21921 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-2b, LM-3, R.5.--Bent, Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details. The evidence of cleaning is fairly minimal as such things go, with medium steel-gray devices with darker gray in the fields. The surfaces show a few minor scratches on Liberty, two hidden ones in her lower curls, one near her ear and a minor faint scratch through her mouth into the field. On the reverse, the color is a more even light gray with a minor scratch located above the eagle's head. On this later die state, the obverse crack is well developed down through most of Liberty's hair from the R. Despite the problems, this is a very attractive coin that should please most collectors.
Ex: Michael Hall (April, 1990); Bowers and Merena's Sale (November, 1986) lot 1585. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21922 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C --Damaged--NCS. VF Details. V-3, LM-4, R.6. Reiver state b. The damage consists of a dull dent on Liberty's neck which slightly bent the center of the reverse out, causing some uneven wear on the lower portion of the eagle's neck and beak, and the field below. There is also a small cluster of dull scratches on Liberty's head on either side of her ear. Toned a very attractive deep blue-gray and a decent coin despite the problems mentioned.

On this die pairing, the obverse cracked very early through the eleventh through fourteenth stars, leaving the inner points stranded in the field, while the other points were incorporated in the retained cud. The crack is seen on all known specimens (but certainly an early uncracked example possibly exists), and most show some degree of a retained cud through those four stars. On the final die state, this piece of the die has fallen completely out, and full cud examples are known to exist. The obverse die was retired after this die pairing while the reverse went on to new marriage to create the rare V-9, LM-5 variety.
Ex: Douglas Weaver, (August, 1982). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21923 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-9, LM-5, R.6.--Obverse Damage--NCS. Fine Details. Reiver state a. An early die state example of this rare die pairing. There is a cluster of neck nicks and nearby field nicks on the obverse and a small depression on the left wing of the eagle close to his breast, and these apparently nudged the present coin from qualifying for an NGC holder. Dark gray in the fields with lighter gray on the devices, and still attractive despite the minor nicks, and a very scarce die pairing for the collector to obtain. The present coin is an early die state as there is no trace of the die crack through the tops of 95 to the last star, and the clashing has not occurred in the fields.
Ex: Stack's (February, 1984). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21924 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-7, LM-6, R.6.--Bent--NCS. AU Details. Reiver state b. The bend in the coin is fairly minor and appears to be on the left side of the obverse and reverse, as there is some uneven wear on the letters TE of UNITED on the reverse. All other devices are rather sharp, and the coin is toned an attractive gunmetal blue and gray. A few trivial surface marks are found on the left side of the obverse, and these were the likely culprit for the bend in the planchet. The obverse die crack extends through the 95 of the date to the fifteenth star, where a branch exits to the rim, the primary crack continues up through the inside of the last three stars and turns out to the rim through the upper point of the thirteenth star. One of the finer examples known of this die pairing, with most seen in VF or lower grades. Most show the obverse die crack to some degree, and apparently not many were struck as so few survive today. An impressive coin for the specialist to obtain.
Ex: Stack's Sale (March, 1984), lot 1049. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21925 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-8, LM-7, R.6. AU50 NGC. Reiver die state b. A very attractive coin for the grade, with sharply impressed devices and major surface problems or adjustment marks. For identification purposes a minor field tick, one close to the star off from Liberty's nose, another near her mouth and a couple of faint scratches on her neck. On the reverse there is a trivial scratch up from the nostril of the eagle through the right leaf above. Excellent silver-gray color, with deeper patina through the periphery.

This variety is quite scarce although can be obtained with patience. The obverse die was only used to strike this variety as a bisecting die crack formed rather early from the left side of the T in LIBERTY down through Liberty's hair and out the rim through her lowest curl. Most, if not all specimens show this obverse crack, and if an early unbroken die state exists, it is quite elusive. Some examples of this variety are known with adjustment marks, hence the silver for the planchets was probably a bit too thick, and many of the coins had to be adjusted, an excellent example is the plate coin in the Logan-McCloskey reference which shows heavy obverse adjustment marks. The reverse die remains unbroken through its first two marriages to create the V-7, LM-6 and V-8, LM-7 varieties, and then went on to strike the very common V-5, LM-8 where this reverse finally cracked and was replaced. Remarkably, every single 1795 half dime obverse die is known with severe die cracks, and most of the reverses too, as the dies were literally worked until they fell apart with die cracks or cuds.
Ex: Stack's July, 1984). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21926 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-5, LM-8, R.3. XF40 NGC. Reiver state a. Toned a pleasing medium gray throughout and a good collector coin for the detail and surface quality. Examination will find a couple of dull scrapes behind Liberty's head and faint scratches scattered over the surfaces, but these are expected on any circulated coin of this period and not too distracting. An early die state of the obverse, with the die crack from the right side of the Y to Liberty's nose just starting to form. The reverse die crack from the left wing through the center of TE and base of D of UNITED is also present, but faint on this coin. This early die state should suit most type or variety collectors seeking a specimen of this issue.
No pedigree information included. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21927 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V5b, LM-8, R.3. AU53 NGC. Reiver state b. Toned with dark gray with hints of gold intermixed and generally attractive for the grade. The obverse has extensive adjustment marks on Liberty's face, shoulder and hair, with some continuing through the fields although they are fainter in the field. No other surface problems are seen, and traces of luster reside in the fields. There is a dark area under the left wing of the eagle, close to the tip. Boldly struck by the dies, although the eagle's wings lack the feather definition found on other varieties, and this is the usual case for this die pairing. The reverse die is rotated approximately 60 degrees clockwise, as seen on most specimens of this variety. A later die state with the obverse crack strong from the rim through the right side of the Y to Liberty's nose, where it continues down her face and neck. On the reverse the die crack is faint through the left tip of the wing and TED.
Ex: Chuck Lawver (January, 1989). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21928 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-6, LM-9, R.4.--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details.. Reiver state a. Light silver gray and still attractive despite the minor evidence of cleaning in the form of a few hairlines and minor dullness in the luster. Peripherally toned with dark gold and silver-gray to the centers. There are some trivial surface marks near Liberty's ear, but no adjustment marks or other circulation problems. A coin that most collectors could easily live with, as the cleaning is very minor.

On this die state the obverse has been lapped to efface some of the die crack through Liberty's face and neck and this process weakened the dentils, and the dies have clashed with evidence in the fields of both the obverse and reverse.
Ex: J. J. Teaparty (December, 1985). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21929 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-6, LM-9, R.4. VG10 NGC. Reiver state b. Medium gray in the fields, with lighter silver on the devices. Even wear throughout, and attractive for the moderate grade. The reverse devices and lettering are all sharp, and most of the obverse too save for a couple of stars which received the bulk of the wear from circulation.

On this later die state, the obverse die has been lapped to partially efface the die crack across Liberty and the field. A lump has formed in the remains of the crack at the top of the 7 in the date. For the grade, this is a very pleasing coin.
Ex: Coins and Such (February, 1981). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21930 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1795 H10C V-4b, LM-10, R.3. AU55 NGC. Reiver state b. Light silvery-gray in color with a few flecks of darker gold highlighting the devices and attractive. The surfaces have some nicks, primarily on Liberty's cheek where a cluster of short scratches are found and a dull nick is found on the eagle's breast. Boldly struck throughout, with strong definition on Liberty's curls and the eagle and wreath. On this later die state with the full cud at the tops of TY and the eighth star, the obverse die had been lapped reducing the depth of the stars, especially the first star which is spindly in nature. An impressive example of this later die state.
No pedigree information included. Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4251)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21932 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1796/5 H10C V-2, LM-2, R.6.--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details. The surfaces are bright silver, and the obverse shows minor surface roughness, possibly from a harsh cleaning. The reverse shows moderate hairlines, and the coin has a decent strike overall. Identifiable by a small field nick midway between Liberty's mouth and the stars, and by weakness on the T in LIBERTY, which is missing most of the top of that letter. This is a middle die state, with portions of the reverse bisecting die crack up from the eagle's neck, but before the rim break forms above TE of STATES on the dentils. As so often seen on these early rarities, the surfaces were cleaned neither too wisely nor well, and with so few offered collectors should consider coins such as this despite the cleaning. The overdate feature is clear, and all devices are present although many are somewhat "mushy" in appearance. This is a very rare variety and the overdate feature has long been listed in the Guide Book which keeps pressure on this issue as collectors of all sorts attempt to locate an example for their collections.
No pedigree information included. (PCGS# 4255)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21933 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1796/5 H10C V-2, LM-2, R.6. Reiver state b. XF45 NGC. One of the most sought after varieties as this is an important Guide Book coin as well as a very scarce die pairing. The overdate feature is clear with a loupe, and the B in LIBERTY is defective and this same broken B punch was used on the other 1796 obverse die to create the LIKERTY variety. Light silver with gold toning in the fields, particularly on the reverse. Minor surface nicks and faint scratches from circulation as usually seen on coins of this type. The strike is sharp on the reverse, but soft on Liberty's curls. Identifiable by a minor thin planchet streak which slips through the eagle's lower breast and along the base of his inner wings to the palm branch on the right. A highly desirable coin which for some reason is usually found in high grades, including several in mint state. The number known is approximately 30 pieces, placing this at the low end of the R.6 range.

The obverse die does not exhibit any die cracks, while the reverse has a bisecting die crack through the second T of STATES to the rim below through the eagle's neck, chest and right leg, the right stem end but misses the right ribbon end. In this later die state a small rim cud has formed over the TE of STATES which cuts through the tops of three dentils. There is a small reverse attached planchet lamination between the TE of UNITED. The silver used for these planchets was not prepared properly, resulting in the streak mentioned, and similar streaks seen on other 1796 LM-2, V-2 half dimes.
Ex: Heritage (January, 1985). Envelope Included. (PCGS# 4255)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21931 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1796 H10C V-1, LM-1, R.3. Reiver state a.--Bent--NCS. AU Details. "LIKERTY". There is no visible indication that this coin is bent, and one would need to place it on a perfectly flat surface to determine where the bend is located. No evidence of uneven wear is found. On the reverse there are some trivial adjustment marks down the eagle's breast and right leg into the wreath, and another adjustment mark is found on the obverse rim above Y and a few nearby stars. A loupe will find a faint surface scratch behind Liberty's mouth and another down her neck. The color is a very attractive light gunmetal-gray, with hints of blue in the fields. This coin is an early die state with the light die crack between TA of STATES on the reverse as nearly always seen. The reverse die later develops several cracks, and the obverse too, which ended both dies use for coinage.

In recent years, collectors have begun to appreciate the rarity of these Draped Bust, Small Eagle half dimes, and these have seen a significant price jump in all grades. This particular coin should bring a strong price despite the minor bend in the planchet. This is one of the most difficult silver type coins to obtain, and a coin most would be quite proud to own.
No pedigree information included. (PCGS# 4254)
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Auction 390 | Lot 21934 » Half Dimes » Early Half Dimes
1797 H10C V-2, LM-1, R.3. Reiver state a. 15 Stars XF45 NGC. Strong eye appeal for the lighter silver centers which are offset by darker gray and gold peripheral toning. There are some rather heavy adjustment marks confined to the center of the obverse, mostly on Liberty's neck and ear, but missing her face. The strike is typically weak at the centers, with the eagle lacking most of his feather definition save for the right wing which is generally sharp. An excellent collector coin for the clean surfaces, appealing toning and high grade which represents the earliest die state seen.
Ex: Penn-Jersey Coins (July, 1982). (PCGS# 4258)
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