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GTG: 1860 J-267 Half Dime "Coin without a Country" - Grade Revealed...
REALGATOR
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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.
8
Comments
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!
63
64 would not surprise me.
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.
65 wouldn't surprise me.
65.
I like it. 64?
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
You would never guess poor Strike looking at your coin. Nice
Nice example, I like the natural surfaces of the OP a little better but yours retoned nicely after its dip
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
I like the strike on the coin in the OP, though the face of Liberty is a bit blunted....and the one star is weird. Cheers, RickO
Nice. Back in the 1970's I wanted one of those but never stepped up to the plate.
Thanks for the input. I'll keep this open a while longer for the ANA crowd.
64
"Grade" revealed.