Dipped / naturally retoned 1837 and 1838-O half dimes
rhedden
Posts: 6,632 ✭✭✭✭✭
These two coins were dipped prior to being places in a Wayte Raymond album some time before 1960. They were removed and put in 2 x 2's earlier this year, but acquired nice colored toning during their time in the album. Unfortunately, both are XF-AU, so it's really obvious that they were dipped. The 1837 in particular has a bright white center on the obverse in person. If they were Unc. coins, they would probably still slab because the toning is natural, and dipping is an accepted practice with the grading services. However, I do believe they would be bodybagged as "cleaned" since they are circulated pieces, making the cleaning more apparent. I wonder how many people on this board would prefer to have this kind of coin rather than a "crusty" and completely original piece with gray/brown "dirt" on it. It's funny how an original XF Seated coin sometimes "becomes" an AU once it's dipped, and collectors have little appreciation for the truly original pieces (some of those in my next post.)
0
Comments
I've seen far, far uglier dipped circulated silver. I think these actually might slab.
I have a few XF and AU-50 Seated Dimes in my collection and I tend to stay away from ones that are all white or mostly white, because I suspect most of them have been messed with...AND because they look out of place in an album with mostly VFs.
I always have liked that phase of the seated liberty as opposed to the redesigned version, it's a more desireable image of Liberty.
Congratulations! I love the coin! If you would like to get it slabbed I’d give it a try at NGC. The worst that will happen is that you will be out the grading fee and postage.
I had two early half dimes that were marginal for grading. My 1800 LIBEKTY was an AU coin with respect to wear, but it had two noticeable scratches. My 1796 had VF-20 sharpness, but two teeth marks. I sent both to NGC. The 1800 got an EF-45, but the 1796 got a body bag. Just one more example of how inconsistent and capricious the services are when it comes to grading and body bags. BUT sadly we have to play the game with them.
To me the two scratches on the high grade 1800 where more of a concern that two minor teeth marks on the will circulated 1796.
I would not bother to submit the 1837 half dime. It is not scarce enough to have slabbed given it's problem.
Once again you have graced us with some very attractive half dimes. Your 1837 is an example of the "Small Date" variety, which is really a misnomer as the date numerals are virtually the same size as the equally inappropriately termed "Large Date". The so-called Large Date varieties (V1, V2, V3) used the numeral punches from the Capped Bust half dimes, discontinued earlier that same year. The so-called "Small Date" varieties (V4, V5, V6), as with your coin, used the new date punches made expressly for the Liberty Seated half dimes, and continued in use for many years.
The 1838-O is a well recognized rarity in the series, especially in grades approximating your coin. Yours is an example of the V1, with the level date. The V2 exhibits a date running slightly uphill from left to right.
It is too bad that your half dimes were not reported in the latest half dime censuses, compiled by both the JRCS and the LSCC. Your collection of early half dimes, several of which you have recently posted, would have ranked high in the JRCS census. Your collection of Liberty Seated half dimes also compare quite favorably with what was reported in the LSCC census, currently being compiled.
While on that subject, it is equally unfortunate that Bill Jones did not choose to report his fabulous collection of early half dimes in the John Reich Collectors Society Bust half dime census survey. I had the distinct privilege to see his half dimes in a display several years ago at a New England Numismatic Association show. It was indeed a memorable occasion.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson