New Example of the 1795 V-10 Half Dime, an R-7 Die Marriage

rhedden · October 20, 2018 7:23AM

Among the flowing hair half dimes of 1794-1795, the 1795 V-10 (LM-2) is the rarest die marriage in the series. Rated R-7, the 1795 V-10 has an estimated surviving population of less than a dozen (Heritage archives). Imagine my surprise when I located this unattributed, and presumably unreported, example in 2017. It resides in an old NGC holder from the 1999 era, with no mention of the variety on the label. The coin is easy to attribute due to the obverse die breaks. According to my discussions with Steven Crain (MrHalfDime), the variety maintains "a solid R7 estimated rarity in recent years, with very few known examples." Steve assisted me with researching the provenance of the coin last year, and although we cannot say for certain, we did not find any evidence that it is a previously known example. While the coin is somewhat overgraded at NGC XF45 (IMHO), it has the crusty, original look and freedom from major blemishes that one would hope to see on an early Type coin. It might just be that NGC gave it a grade bump for originality way back when.

There are two known examples of the 1795 V-10 that are finer than this one for certain. The Heritage archives show an NGC MS63 CAC example that sold for $34,075 in 2015, and Steve also knew of an MS-61 example. There are a few others out there at the EF45-AU50 level. While my example does not likely rank in the top five known, I am more than happy with its state of preservation.

While this coin is a somewhat esoteric item, I hope you all enjoy seeing it come to light as a presumably new example of a very rare Flowing Hair issue.

RichieURich · October 20, 2018 9:07AM

Nice find, Rhedden!

Sportscards1086 · October 20, 2018 9:22AM

Boom!!!!

Tibor · October 20, 2018 9:56AM

Would a "You Suck" award be appropriate here?

rhedden · October 20, 2018 10:20AM

I do appreciate the thought of "you suck," but this coin is expensive enough (without the variety factor) that the Value:Cost Suck Ratio is not so great.

Cladiator · October 20, 2018 10:44AM

Nice job rheddon. Regardless of value/cost ratio I'd say finding a new R7 example of anything warrants a YSA. The bonus is it's the worlds coolest denomination and it has incredible eye appeal. Congrats.

Baley · October 20, 2018 10:58AM

Pretty nice!

But you really should send it to "Dan", who will "sand-blast, wire brush, and overstrike it" for a fee.

rhedden · October 20, 2018 11:35AM

@Baley said:
Pretty nice!

But you really should send it to "Dan", who will "sand-blast, wire brush, and overstrike it" for a fee.

Can I ask him to turn it into a 1964-D Roosie?

Baley · October 20, 2018 12:32PM

How about a 1793, with the eagle on globe reverse from the 1792 quarter pattern?

Baley · October 20, 2018 1:14PM

Seriously though, remarkable addition to your extraordinary collection of real coins. How about a lineup of your early (preturb) half dimes so we can see the coin in context?

Colonialcoin · October 20, 2018 1:27PM

Very nice coin! It’s very difficult to find higher grade rare die varieties that have pleasing eye appeal.

BustDMs · October 20, 2018 2:19PM

That coin would be impressive if only an R1 marriage!

hchcoin · October 20, 2018 2:55PM

Great coin. Beautiful.

ricko · October 21, 2018 9:07AM

Very nice coin...and thanks for the background information on variety and rarity. Cheers, RickO

DIMEMAN · October 21, 2018 9:18AM

Very nice pick man!

Koinicker · October 21, 2018 9:49AM

Excellent acquisition.

That said, the grade distribution of an R7 variety has me concerned about the true accuracy of this rarity and census. It is described that roughly 12 are known, and yet there are 2 MS examples and 4 EF/AU (including your EF-45, which I would otherwise call a solid VF-30-35). That's 50% of the population in EF or above on a denomination which circulated quite heavily, and where most FH/DB half-dimes are in grades of Good or less, if not damaged. Therefore, I'm surprised there are not more G/AG (or lower graded) examples to fill this grade distribution. But hey, this is just a law of averages and this die marriage may in fact defy those averages.

carabonnair · October 22, 2018 11:09AM

Great coin! This is still the "stopper" for completing a variety set of these lovely little half dismes. Is it true that Valentine himself did not have one? I have to admit I'm a bit envious of yours.

Over twenty years ago I was torn between collecting these or the half dollars. I chose the bigger coins, but still really admire these. Thanks for sharing.