1838 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dime

Coin Details

Auction Record

$182,125 PR66* 01-08-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1838 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dime is a proof dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays an agricultural wreath enclosing the denomination. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $182,125 PR66* 01-08-2014 Heritage Auctions. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 1.34 grams, 15.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4408.