GTG: 1860 J-267 Half Dime "Coin without a Country" - Grade Revealed...

REALGATOR · August 16, 2019 10:18AM

I posted about this Transitional Pattern a while back. I think the guy at the mint was in a hurry to punch out the 100 or so examples so they are notoriously poorly struck. So if you'd like, guess the grade:

Despite the cleaning, this example is more attractive than most with a numeric grade. PCGS is correct as there are some light hairlines in the right obverse field seen when under a lamp and tilted just right with a magnifying glass. Otherwise this is easily a 64 with about the best strike you'll ever find.

Thanks all for guessing.

RogerB · August 16, 2019 10:25AM

Preliminary research into restriking of regular issue and pattern pieces, suggests - but not verified as yet - that these so-called transition pieces were largely products of post-date whimsy. That does not entirely preclude original samples made for Sec of Treasury approval.

The common scenario for patterns of all kinds, was that once people other than official recipients saw the pieces, word quickly spread to collectors. In turn, they asked the mint for examples. These requests came in batches as one numismatic association or another learned of them. Those who applied late, were eventually satisfied with restrikes and/or entirely false mules.

Whatever the truth of origin, they are fascinating pieces and popular with collectors!

HighRelief · August 16, 2019 12:37PM

63

grip · August 16, 2019 1:32PM

64 would not surprise me.

yosclimber · August 16, 2019 2:40PM

Your coin looks much better struck than most examples.
The star details on your coin are really good - most examples have weak star 5 and star 9.
Your much coin also has much better detail in the left ribbon.
I can see the left edge of the ribbon knot on your coin, vs. being very flat and shallow on most examples.