1838 Half-Dime Variety? (Question for the Ex-Spurts).

TommyType

Below is the sellers pics of a PCGS XF-45 1838 Seated Half-Dime. While not in any way expensive, and a step or two lower in grade than what I was looking for, I thought it was a rather attractive circulated coin.

Anyway, if you look at the right side of the (slightly rotated) reverse, there is a piece of metal in the wreath...which isn't an intended part of the design.

Normally, something like that might be associated with a fairly significant die break. But I don't see one here. Though, the die may show signs of "collapsing" in the center since the denomination is weak, while the obverse center seems fairly strong.

I don't have a Half-Dime specific reference work, but I'm wondering if this is a recognized variety or die state? Any information on the source of the anomaly, or any rarity information? Anyone?

Just think it's interesting, if nothing else.

yosclimber

This is the 1838 V-14.

https://archive.org/details/gobrechtjournalfn046libe/page/30
I don't have an estimate for its rarity at present.

TommyType

@yosclimber said:
This is the 1838 V-14.
I don't have an estimate for its rarity at present.

Excellent! That's exactly the "blob" my coin has....and I do see the die crack from the "F" in "OF".

I'm saving the link, and a jpg of the article for future reference.

Thanks!

ms70

Interesting. I just checked mine and found what appears to possibly be an earlier state of the die chip. Even though the chip is in the same spot, mine does not have the diagnostic die crack. This obverse is also "small stars" and the OP's looks to be "large stars".

TommyType

@ms70 said:
Interesting. I just checked mine and found what appears to possibly be an earlier state of the die chip. Even though the chip is in the same spot, mine does not have the diagnostic die crack. This obverse is also "small stars" and the OP's looks to be "large stars".

Interesting. You have to wonder if it's a different obverse, using the same reverse?

Good to know it's a known, previously identified die state. In the back of my head, I was worried someone would tell me it was solder from a mounting that PCGS missed.

yosclimber

crop from a PCGS CoinFacts photo of a late die state V-1 MS-66 with 4 chips under ER
@ms70's V-1 small stars has a different reverse, but does have a very similar die chip in about the same location.
Actually later die states of the V-1 have 4 die chips under ER.
The V-1 reverse has a crack at A2 (first A of AMERICA) and no crack at F, while
the V-14 has a crack at F and no crack at A2.

ms70

Amazing the chips are just about in the same spot.

Thanks yosclimber!

yosclimber

@ms70 said:
Amazing the chips are just about in the same spot.

I agree.

Heritage photo of the amazing V-10 PR-67
The V-10 also had trouble with die steel in roughly the same area.