Please verify Large or Small Date 1837 half dime
MICHAELDIXON
Posts: 6,568 ✭✭✭✭✭
I know there isn't much left to this "BEAUTY!" That, coupled with my poor eyesight makes it hard for me to tell whether this is a Large or small date. Can you verify which it is for me? Thanks, Mike
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I think it’s a Large Date.
https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/767/half-dimes/seated-liberty/1837-P/small-date/
Edited: After reading other replies I believe that my preliminary answer was incorrect and that the coin is a small date example.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
The top of the one is the best indicator. A large date has a pronounced curve from the flag to the tip of the 1 while the small date has a straight line making the flag triangular. I think it is a small date.
Photos from my own half dime set:
Small Date:
Large Date:
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from PCGS CoinFacts
The main rule I use is:
"Pointed top to 1" = Large Date
"Flat top to 1" = Small Date
In your photo the shape of the top of the one looks a bit flat, but with the wear it's hard to be sure.
Maybe you can see it a bit better in hand?
I knew about the top of the 1 indicator but can’t see it well enough on the coin in question.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@MFeld I agree, the blurry photo in the OP makes it really tough. The 8 in the OP better matches the style of the small date too with a small upper loop, versus the large date that has a wider opening.
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Small date.
I always go by the level of the top of the number, 7.
It it is at a slight angle from Liberty's robe, Large date.
If it is somewhat even with the rob, Small date.
peacockcoins
Thank you, Pat - I hadn’t looked at that. I’m going to edit/update my initial reply, though I won’t remove the evidence of my wrong answer.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Thank you all!
Certainly "small date", and beyond that, may I suggest that it could be V-6? It looks like there may be some characteristic die damage to the right of Liberty's leg.
Collector of Liberty Seated Half Dimes, including die pairs and die states