1860 H10C TRANS

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Jul 28, 1994 for:

Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

PCGS 1860 Transitional MS 64. A second and even finer example of this rare and controversial half dime. During 1858-60 Mint Director James Ross Snowden was a man with a mission. His goal as Mint Director was to build up the Mint Collection of U.S. coinage to a respectable level. Up to the time of his tenureship, there had been several gaping holes in the collection and many Colonial issues were missing. Snowden knew that Congress would never appropriate money for such a venture, so he did the best he could with what resources he had at hand. He cultivated the friendship of several prominent Philadelphia area collectors of the day and proceeded with his plan. He would order certain coins to be struck that were outside the normal coining needs of the nation. He was responsible for striking the Class II and Class III 1804 dollars, Gobrecht restrikes, and the "Transitional" half dimes of 1860. He was successful in his attempt to enhance the Mint Collection as he was able to trade this manufactured rarities for coins that were residing in several private Philadelphia area collections. With the passage of time, the coins he used as "trade bait" have become accepted as legitimate parts of their respective series, and are highly sought after rarities today.
The surfaces of this coin are extraordinarily clean, and the piece would surely grade MS 65 or better were it not for a deficient strike. The upper design elements on the obverse and the lower portion of the reverse are ill-defined, but curiously the other portions of the design are well brought up. The diagnostic die scratch from the rock to the denticles is plainly evident, as it is on all genuine specimens. Lightly toned and well balanced from side to side. Sure to be of interest to many collectors of half dimes as well as those interested in 19th century rarities.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2346, PCGS# 4373, GSID# 3787)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 1.24 grams
ASW: 0.03588oz
Mintage: 100

View Certification Details from PCGS