The LIKERTY coin, what is it? Mini-Me Mystery

Aspie_Rocco

A Mini-Me Mystery
Some where along the way I once saw a coin Variety where the B of Liberty was worn away or chipped, something causing it to read as LIKERTY. It is a published variety on an old coin pre 1900 if I recall.

Who knows what it was? Better yet, who has one or pics?

BryceM

Aspie_Rocco

Boom! An instant winner! Thanks @BryceM
Beautiful coin.

Hemispherical

Threads like this make this an awesome forum. The wealth of knowledge around each corner is a wonderful thing. From Likerty to pie cutters to churros to gold to the experts to the trolls and everything in between and around. Enjoying every moment and soaking it up.

ifthevamzarockin

That one deserves a like.

ms70

Not to be confused with the sister coin "LIBEKTY", also a Half Dime....

Aspie_Rocco

@ms70 said:
Not to be confused with the sister coin "LIBEKTY", also a Half Dime....

Noice!
That rings a bell too. Cool example, thank you.

Catbert

Or the Liherty large cent (CoinFacts pic below - not mine):

BillJones

The 1796 "LIKERTY" half dime is, in my opinion, a controversial coin. It is supposed to be a late die state of the “normal date” (not the overdate) 1796 half dime which Valentine listed as V-1 and Logan and McCloskey called LM-1. The die state is found when the “B” in “LIBERTY” is open at the top, which makes it look like a “K.” The trouble is all of these coins are weak at the top of the “B” to certain extent so it is hard say when this Red Book variety kicks in, if it kicks in at all.

Here is the current coin that is in my early half dime set that covers this variety. The photos are courtesy of Pinnacle Rarities, Inc.

Here is a close-up of the "LIKERTY" area

And here is a piece that is attributed to be the "normal" variety

And here is the close-up

Whatever differences there are, are very slight. Logan and McCloskey don't even mention the "LIKERTY" die state. They cite other die breaks, but not that abnormality.

So does it really exist? I don't know, but it's got a line in the Red Book and place in my collection.

BillJones

The 1800 "LIBEKTY" half dime is a real variety. The punch that was used to enter the "R" in "LIBEERTY" was broken at the top which left the letter looking a bit like a "K."

Here is that Variety:

detail

And here is the "LIBERTY" variety.

detail

RogerB

There must be no connection between the left upright and upper right curve of "B" for it to be the LIKERTY variety. As with full steps Jefferson nickels, 1922 no-D cents, 3-leg Buffalo and other similar varieties, buyers and authenticators MUST be strict for the variety to retain its credibility.

Bill's photos suggest neither coin is LIKERTY.

BillJones

Bill's photos suggest neither coin is LIKERTY.

I don't think that the "LIKERTY" is a real die state. I have more pictures of pieces that have been called "LIKERTY" and the look is similar. I've been going over this topic for a number of years.

SSR

Not Likerty but the Libekty H10C.

Onastone

Hmmmm, are there other LIKERTIES out there? How about that famous monument THE STATUE OF LIKERTY or that famous line GIVE ME LIKERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH? That old song/movie THE MAN WHO SHOT LIKERTY VALANCE. I guess it all just comes down to LIFE, LIKERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!!!

RogerB

"HAPPINESS"

Shouldn't that be "HAFFINESS" ?

Baley

There is also a LIBEKTY half dollar variety from 1807:

Exceedingly Rare, only 4 are known. Pictured is the discovery coin.