1840-O H10C Drapery MS(PCGS#4327)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1048

等级

MS64+

价格

165,820

详细说明

Offered is a high Condition Census example of the challenging 1840-O Drapery half dime. Deep, rich luster is overlaid with iridescent golden-rose toning that yields to blushes of powder blue along the right obverse and reverse rims. Well struck on both sides, although there is evidence of die fatigue around the periphery on the reverse. The surfaces are expertly preserved and approach full Gem Mint State quality.<p>New obverse and reverse hubs were introduced for the Liberty Seated half dime in 1840. Design changes to the obverse include an extra fold of drapery at Liberty's left elbow and the upright orientation of the shield. The new reverse hub is most easily recognized by the open buds inside the wreath above the letters H and F in HALF. The rarity of the 1840-O Drapery as an issue is well known among specialists, even well worn examples in Good to VG meriting a Rarity-5 rating from Blythe. The author's ranking for Mint State coins is an impressive Rarity-7, and the present example is CC#1 as the single finest currently certified by PCGS and NGC. An extraordinary condition rarity from a limited mintage of 240,000 coins that is eagerly awaiting inclusion in another specialized cabinet.<p>Q. David Bowers (2016) asserts that this issue was coined in December 1840 or early 1841. To maximize usage of scarce resources, the early New Orleans Mint often used dies as long as they were serviceable, which meant that some dated obverses were used in the following year.