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Gerry Fortin Rare Coins continues to expand Liberty Seated half dime inventory for advanced variety collectors. Attributions are per Valentine and follow on research published by the Liberty Seated Collectors Club within individual Gobrecht Journal articles or presented in the Collective Volumes.

There are 30 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on April 4, 2024

Photo	Date	Grade	TPG	Variety	GFRC Rating	Price	Description	Buy
	1837 No Stars, Small Date	MS62	NGC 3178700006	V-5	Choice	$1100	New March 31! No Stars Type, Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Ample steely luster radiates from the surfaces of this Small Date example. Russet patina is evident on both sides, more so on the reverse, and the overall eye appeal is exceptional. Nicely struck, with a full head and defined leaf elements. V-5, with the top of 1 decidedly flatter than on the Large Stars variety. CAC notes seven pieces in MS62 and 53 examples finer. The CAC price guide in MS62 is $1,140. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #4312
	1837 No Stars, Large Date	MS62	PCGS 42430323	V-1	Choice	$875	New March 31! No Stars Type, Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Frosty, untoned centers lead toward deeper color at the rims, much more intensely on the reverse. Slight rub on the leg precludes CAC certification, but, at the AU58 level, GFRC believes this piece meets CAC standards for originality. While the major services will reward PQ, lustrous AU58 coins with low MS grades, CAC holds the line on technical evaluation. Regardless of the number or sticker, this is a pleasing, flashy example of this one-year type. V-1, with a tall, pointed 1. PCGS notes 97 coins in MS62 and 410 pieces finer. The PCGS price guide value is $1,125. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder. PCGS #4311
	1837 No Stars, Small Date	AU53	NGC 2018157004		Original	$500	New March 10! Small Date, Steely Fields, Residual Reflective Luster, Natural Coin Gray. The steely fields on this 1837 Small Date half dime are readily apparent when first viewed under a bright light as the reflective luster is quite notable. Surfaces are toned a light coin gray and are close to unabraded other than a contact mark between the head and Liberty cap. A small reverse die cud is seen at (A)MERICA and should facilitate a straightforward die variety attribution. Part of a large consignment that was insourced at the 2024 Spring Sarasota Coin Show. Housed in NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder.
	1838 No Drapery, Large Stars	MS65	NGC 6815561003		Gem	$1350	Large Stars, Gem Original, City by The Bay Collection.. Evergreen and russet colors mix on both sides of this No Drapery half dime, and the eye appeal is consistent with the GFRC Gem rating. Apart from the dentils, this is a sharply struck piece. with full head detail and a split bow knot. A radial die crack is evident at star 13. NGC has certified 77 coins at the MS65 level, with an equal number of pieces finer. The NGC price guide value is $1,950. Housed in a new large font NGC holder. PCGS #4317.
	1838 No Drapery, Large Stars	MS64	NGC 2685622002		Choice	$1650	Creamy Frosted Luster, Complete Strike, Near-Gem, CAC Approved. A boldly repunched star 8 is readily evident on this superbly preserved 1838 Seated half dime. Radiant mint bloom radiates creamy frosted luster when placed under angled lighting. Strike is fully executed with a reverse die crack through O(F) into the wreath. One reverse field mark holds this piece back from potential higher grade. The eye appeal is certainly there. Newly consigned and a premium example. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
	1838 No Drapery, Small Stars	MS64	PCGS 46453734		Choice	$1795	New April 4! Small Stars, Very Late Die State, Frosted Luster, Nice Cartwheels, Lakeland Collection. GFRC is thrilled to be offering yet another 1838 Small Stars half dimes as released from the Lakeland Collection. The "small stars" result from a regular large stars obverse die being lapped due to extended usage resulting in die rust pitting, clashing, and the all important die crack in the right obverse field. This obverse die is lapped in an attempt to remove some of the damage and results in weak and "smaller" sized stars. Obverse and reverse die clashing, a weak date punched and the all important die crack at star 13 are the key diagnostics. This example is a case study for the late die state conditions and is sure to please the specialist. Under a bright light, the surface radiate frosted luster, with bluish-gold noted on the obverse while the reverse features center aquamarine surround by gold between the wreath and rim. Cartwheels are active and certainly pleasing. A CAC approved NGC MS64 example recently sold for $2852 as a reference. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder without a CAC attempt.
	1838 Small Stars	AU53	NGC 3675258002	V-2	Original	$385	Scarce Small Stars Variety, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Heavily Worn Dies, Sooner Collection. Ron Guth, as part of the PCGS Price guide and CoinFacts has indicated that a "true" 1838 Small Stars half dime is about ten times as rare as the omnipresent Large Stars. This conclusion makes sense as the "small stars" are the result of heavy die polishing and not a separate die pair. A "true" Small Stars must exhibit a heavily eroded obverse die and a long die crack through star 1 into rim. This Sooner example is a "true" Small Stars with brilliant steely-frosted luster and light gold patina, The obverse stars are barely visible and indicative of a very late die state. Heavy die clashing is seen on the reverse. One stray line on the upper reverse holds back a Choice quality rating. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
	1839-O No Drapery	MS62	NGC 1749004005	V-2	Choice	$1600	V-2, Small O, Repunched 1 and 9, Early Die State, Crusty Violet-Gray Patina, Steely-Frosted Fields. Thanks to a new GFRC consignor, GFRC once again can offer a strictly original Mint State 1839-O V-2 half dime. Early die state V-2 examples will exhibit bold repunching under the 1 and 9 digits and a perfect reverse without die cracks. The reverse is well known for its progressive die states that results is a spectacular shattered reverse at the V-2c die state. This example is toned a crusty rose-gray with the obverse patina being thicker than the reverse. As a result, the reverse is the best vantage point for enjoying the steely-frosted luster that radiates under a bright light. The obverse "skin" is partially transparent to the underlying luster. After a 10x inspection, I believe the certified grade is a function of luster and not abrasions as the surfaces are choice. Housed in NGC Gen 14 (2003-2004) holder that is quite worn and limits the amount of angled lighting that can stimulate the luster.
	1839-O No Drapery	MS61	NGC 1808864005	V-5	Choice	$1350	New March 31! No Drapery, Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Pale blue and slate patina fill the rims of this crusty example, accompanied by rose-gray color at the centers and light dirt in the shield. Bits of emerald shade hide in the protected areas. A couple stars to the left are softly impressed. V-5, with obverse die cracks below the rock and at star 4, and a reverse crack at (UN)I(TED). The NGC census notes six coins in MS61 and 34 pieces finer. The NGC price guide indicates a value of $1,275. Housed in NGC Gen 14 (2003-2004) holder. PCGS #4320
	1840 No Drapery	MS63	PCGS 45566744		Choice	$600	No Drapery Type, Steely-Frosted Radiance, Delicate Strike, Choice Original, Crazy Joe Collection. The parallels between the Liberty Seated half dime and dime series are quite evident when evaluating this newest Crazy Joe collection release. Steely-frosted fields are readily apparent with notable radiance when placed under a bright light. Again, as seen on the dime series, the strike is "delicate" given the shallow hubbing of the working dies. A micro-line in the left obverse field is the only abrasion requiring note and would preclude a CAC submission. A visually pleasing No Drapery type example with consistent bluish-gray coloration on both sides. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
	1840 No Drapery	MS62	PCGS 45723669		Choice	$435	New March 19! No Drapery Type, Steely Luster, Peripheral Toning, Choice Original. A most pleasing 1840 No Drapery half dime that returns to the GFRc price list after being upgraded. Steely surface offer brilliant reflectance under a bright light. Obverse toning is speckled gray intermixed with light copper-gold. A dark blue toning arc on the reverse adds incremental charm. Strike is completed other than the upper reverse denticles being weakly formed. There is die clashing inside the denomination. Faint chatter in the right obverse field is noted. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
	1841	MS64	NGC 6816702003		Choice	$700	Near-Gem Original, City by The Bay Collection.. Maroon and aqua shades surround the figure of Liberty, which is largely untoned but for a splash of gold-rose patina. The reverse reveals thick electric-blue color at the rim with burnt orange hues at the center. The strike is typical, with a touch of softness in the leaves. The overall aesthetic appeal is sharp, and we expect active bidding for this attractively toned example. The NGC census notes 216 coins total, with 41 pieces at MS64 and 49 examples finer. The NGC price guide is $730. Housed in a new large font NGC holder. PCGS #4328.
	1849-O	VF20	NGC 6606811019		Choice	$395	important New Orleans Date, Crusty Gray. A scarce and semi-key New Orleans date, this new 1849-O half dime has a mintage of 140,000, one of the smallest mintage in the entire series. Surfaces a covered with a thick crusty gray skin. An example at an affordable grade as the pricing premiums accelerate quickly in EF or better. Accurately graded and housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
	1853 With Arrows	MS62	PCGS 10350754		Choice	$350	New March 18! With Arrows, Frosted Luster, Heavy Die Clashing, Eroded Dies. This 1853 With Arrows half dime is a case study is die erosion and how the mint workers pushed dies to their limit before being removed from the coinage presses. This uncirculated example is super cool as strong with both heavily eroded dies that are approaching "orange peel" texture along with multiple bold die clashes. The luster is frosty and bold with gold toning on the reverse. This is choice example that would be a great teaching aid at a local coin club meeting. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1853-O No Arrows	VF20	PCGS 39744248		Choice	$1550	Key Date, No Arrows Variety, Crusty Gray Patina, Fairly Graded. GFRC is pleased to be offering a Liberty Seated half dime key date that is only exceed by the 1846 Philadelphia issue in terms of rarity. The limited mintage of 160,000 for 1853 New Orleans strikes with the No Arrows obverse saw heavy circulation in the deep South leaving few survivors for present day collectors. The date is easily recognized by heavy obverse die polishing resulting a weak date with lower grade circulated examples having a missing 1 digit. A new consignor joins GFRC and is offering this crusty original example with moderate wear. Both sides are toned an even gray with lighter shades on the obverse high points. A 10x review revealed essentially unabraded surfaces yielding a choice quality rating. This offering is fairly priced for the originality and rarity. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder.
	1854 With Arrows	MS62	PCGS 27830371		Choice	$275	With Arrows, Satiny Radiance, Heavily Eroded Dies, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection. This Sooner Collection release, an 1854 Arrows half dimes, brings robust satiny radiance under a bright light. Dies are heavily eroded, more so on the obverse, which results in the satiny textures. Regardless of the "pebble" textured dies, the strike is crisp. Surfaces are unabraded too. Attractively priced. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) holder.
	1855 With Arrows	EF40	raw	V-7 R5?	Market Acceptable	$225	7 Stripe Shield, Challenging Die Variety, Grayish-Brown Patina, Reverse Porosity, Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection. An interesting 1855 Liberty Seated half dime die variety with extra 7th horizontal shield line. A potential doubled obverse die as all horizontal shield lines are doubled. This doubling adds an extra horizontal line named as the 7th. Steve Crain considered this variety to be an R7 rarity along with Dr. Peterson. Based on conversations with Clint Cummings, an R5 rarity is more appropriate though those that do come to market are impaired with one issue or another. The Peterson specimen is toned an even grayish-brown with heavy obverse verdigris. The reverse has faint porosity and a few rim marks that are toned over. Pricing this piece is difficult as Peterson had a high estimate.
	1857	MS61	NGC 3020687003		Original	$215	Soft Frosted Luster, Near-Choice Original, Sooner Collection. Another release from the Sooner Collection with soft frosted luster and light golden-gray toning. The reverse is heavily cracked at the lower wreath along with light die clashing. The right obverse stars are weakly struck. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
	1857-O	MS64	NGC Fatty 211229005	V-1	Choice	$1100	New April 2! Near-Gem Original, Sooner Collection.. Frosty fields host thick tan and midnight blue patina, and the toning is unquestionably natural. A mark on the jaw precludes CAC consideration, but the originality and in-hand pop are otherwise consistent with CAC certification. V-1, with a large mintmark punched low. NGC notes 41 coins in MS64 and 49 examples finer. The NGC price guide is $725 in MS64, advancing to $1,800 in MS65. This GFRC-rated near-Gem example is strong for an MS64 piece and represents an optimal grade acquisition, given the valuation jump at the MS65 level. Housed in NGC Gen 4 (1989-1992) no line Fatty holder with green label. PCGS #4366
	1858	PR63	PCGS 83799202	V-4a	Original	$1150	Earlier Half Dime Proof Strike, Attractively Toned, Hairlines, Sooner Collection. 1858 brought the first year where Philadelphia proof coinage for half dimes reached the 100 piece threshold. This survivor exhibits moderate mirrors along with attractive ring toning. Most notable is the center copper-gold toning that becomes progressively darker before shifting to a sky blue at the periphery. With a 10x, faint hairlines are evident on both the obverse and reverse fields. A CoinFacts review indicates that this proof date only appears at auction every few years. Fairly priced and ready for a new home. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1858	MS63	PCGS 83942340	V-1a	Choice	HOLD $365	New April 2! Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Brilliant frost creates vibrant cartwheels on both sides, highlighting attractive russet patina at the rims. V-1a, with a slight downward slope in the date and a crack at U(NITED). Die erosion and clashing is evident on both sides. Production demand was strong in the mid-1850s, following the 1853 Coinage Act, and die deterioration is not a surprise. The PCGS census notes 133 pieces in MS63 and 315 coins finer. The PCGS price guide value is $425. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. PCGS #4367
	1858 Over Inverted Date	EF40	ANACS OWH 874413	V-9a	Original	HOLD $350	New April 2! Over Inverted Date, Original, Sooner Collection.. The 1858 inverted date is a famous Mint error, the result of an upside-down date punch being initially applied to the obverse die. The engraver was likely embarrassed, but, as dies were valuable, he simply repunched it with the correct orientation, leaving vestiges of the undertype. This piece exhibits steely surfaces that were likely dipped at one time and have now retoned with blue and slate patina. V-9a, with 1858 punched over an inverted date. By way of reference, the PCGS census includes 119 coins total, 11 pieces in EF40, and 58 examples finer. The PCGS price guide value is $400. Housed in ANACS old white holder with OVER INV DATE attribution on the label. PCGS #4368
	1859-O	MS61	NGC 3165482004		Original	$435	Brilliant Frosted Luster, Dancing Cartwheels, Untoned. A newly purchased 1859-O half dime that exhibits substantial amounts of frosted luster and dancing cartwheels. This is a blast white with all the expected luster for a full choice certification. From my 10x review, I see MS63 luster with the faintest of rub on the breasts. The assigned grade is quite fair. This is an offering for bright luster fans. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder.
	1860-O	MS62	PCGS 84085888			$375	Crusty Olive-Gray Patina, Steely Fields, Accurately Graded. A thoroughly pleasing 1860-O half dime that is strictly and choice for the grade. A thick crusty skin is uniform on both sides but does not completely mute the underlying steely luster. Strike is bold, especially on the obverse, while the reverse was struck by a worn die. Surfaces are pristine. This is a quality lot are a fair price. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1861	MS64	NGC 587137006		Choice	$435	Golden Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Heavily Clashed. As one continues to study the Seated half dime series, many dates will exhibit die clashing. The tiny planchet probably stress early steam press equipment dies often being struck without a planchet. The near-gem 1861 half dime exhibits heavy die clashing and an uneven strike which is consistent with the issue. Frosted luster is uniform with a faint layer of golden hues. Housed in NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder.
	1866-P,S	EF Details	raw		Choice	$375	Victorian Era Jewelry Buttons, Crusty Original and Choice, AuburnNY Accordian Collection. The AuburnNY Collection is back with a special treat with these 1866 dated half dimes and dime. These are Victorian Era jewelry pieces are buttons with Seated coinage obverse side soldered onto pins. Based on this positioning, the obverses are protected from incremental wear once placed into jewelry status. We have a crusty gray 1866-P (yes, the date slopes up) and two 1866 half dimes with less wear but similair crust. The consignor and GFRC have done our best to price these antiquities but offers are welcomed for the three pieces as one lot.
	1866-S	MS64	NGC 215946001		Choice	$1700	New April 4! Challenging San Francisco Issue, Frosted Luster, Bright Light Eye Appeal, Lakeland Collection. The 1866-S half dime is yet another duplicate release from the Lakeland Collection, a Civil War centric project. Mintage for the date is only 120,000 with survival rates being very low as could be expected for a small silver piece. This example was specially preserved given its frosted luster and pristine surfaces. Full enjoyment occurs under a bright light as the obverse shifts to center rose and peripheral blues. These colors are obviously repeated on the reverse in a bold manner. An unquestionably original example that belongs in an advanced Seated half dime set. Housed in NGC Gen 4 (1989-1992) no line brown label Fatty holder.
	1868	PF64	NGC 308583004	V-1	Choice	HOLD $750	New April 2! Near-Gem Original, Sooner Collection.. Watery mirrors reflect the rose and blue skin that covers the surfaces of this Proof half dime. Collectors of this era typically pursued runs of Proof coins, which were more apt to appear in 19th century auction sale catalogs, as compared to circulation strike date and mintmark sets. A good portion of the original mintage, 600 pieces, thus survives today, though examples at the PR64 level are better than usually encountered. V-1, with a centered, high date. NGC notes 65 coins in PR64 and 43 examples finer. The NGC price guide value is $865. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder. PCGS #4451
	1869	PF62	ANACS OWH 896617	V-2	Gem	HOLD $500	New April 2! Gem Original, Sooner Collection.. Strong mirrors and a complete lack of hairlines are consistent with a higher designation, and GFRC grades this example as PR64. Thick russet and blue patina covers both sides, but the flash remains evident even through the heavy skin. Die polish lines are evident under a glass. V-2, with the date punched to the right. As a reference, PCGS notes 26 coins in PR62 and 168 pieces finer. The PCGS price guide value is $600. Housed in ANACS old white holder. PCGS #4452
	1870	PR65	PCGS 84759036	V-2	Gem	$1300	New April 2! Gem Original, Sooner Collection.. Superb eye appeal is immediately evident as this GFRC-rated Gem piece is examined under a light, revealing deep, watery mirrors covered by emerald and tan patina. The strike is healthy and imparts near-full definition in the wreath stalks. V-2, with the date slightly high and punched a shade to the left. The CAC census counts seven pieces in PR65 and ten coins finer. The CAC price guide value is $1,200. The Sooner collection includes a number of proof examples, and the present coin would an excellent start to a set of proof half dimes, a 16-coin series running from 1858 to 1873. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #4453
	1870	MS62	ANACS 4699740		Choice	$285	Brilliant Frosted Luster. Attractive Peripheral Toning, Sooner Collection. The Sooner Collection is establishing its reputation for eye appeal Seated half dimes. This lovely 1870 Mint State exhibits brilliant frosted luster is quite notable with in-hand viewing but explodes under a light source. The peripheral copper-gold and dark blue rings nicely frame the radiant centers. Strike is typical with a weak area at the upper left wheat grains. The reverse surface have a few micro-ticks that are consistent with the certified grade. Housed in yellow label ANACS holder but please don't let this holder discourage a purchase.
	1871-S	MS62	PCGS OGH 4044951	V-1	Choice	HOLD $325	New April 2! Choice Original, Mirror Collection.. A thickly toned obverse reveals tan-copper patina, accompanied by a light splash of crust. The reverse exhibits rose color and is lighter than the image suggests. The definition of the wreath stalks is exceptional. V-1, with the date left and reverse cracks below the wreath. PCGS notes 26 coins in MS62 and 72 pieces finer. The PCGS price guide value is $520. Housed in PCGS Gen 3.0 (1990-1993) old green holder. The label is light green. PCGS #4399
	1872	PR64	PCGS 19040908	V-2	Choice	$800	New March 31! Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Watery mirrors and a complete lack of hairlines are the hallmarks of this late-date half dime proof. Rich russet and olive patina fills the fields, while the figure of Liberty is more lightly toned. V-2, with the date centered. The slab is somewhat cloudy, and the overall look could easily be improved via the PCGS reholdering service. PCGS notes 53 coins in PR64 and 38 examples finer. The PCGS price guide value is $1,000. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder. The holder has considerable wear with a haze spot over (H)ALF (D)IME. PCGS #4452
	1872-S Below Wreath	MS61	NGC 3415751005		Choice	$350	Below Wreath, Choice Original, Subdued Frosted Luster, Sooner Collection. A popular Liberty Seated half dime date that marks the end of circulation strikes. San Francisco strikes will be found with In and Below Wreath mintmark placements. The sooner Collection is back with a Below Wreath offering that sports a light gray skin with golden shades at the periphery. Strike is typical. A minimally abraded piece with soft luster behind the technical grade. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
	1873	PR62	PCGS 20460824		Choice	$475	Undisturbed Proof Mirrors, Choice Overall, Sooner Collection. 1873 brought the final year of the Liberty Seated half dime denomination as the country phased into a nickel: copper alloy for its 5 cent coinage. This Sooner Collection release presents copper-gray visuals with undisturbed mirrors. Viewing this piece with a 10x is a joy as the fields are free from any abrasions. The overall strike is crisp with detailed motifs. Only 600 proof strikes were issued. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with Teich Family Collection pedigree listed on the label.