1838 Half Dimes
V-4, Large Stars
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
HALF DIMES - SEATED LIBERTY |
| Item Description: |
H10C 1838 SMALL STARS |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS XF 40 |
| Owner: |
Electric Peak |
Owner Comments:
PCGS graded XF 40 Small Stars
Variety: V-4 LDS, Normal Stars
Because this coin is (incorrectly) certified as "Small Stars", it gets more registry points than it should. For 1838 half dimes, the Small Stars designation should really apply only to one obverse die, which was progressively lapped to remove evidence of die rust. As a result, the stars start out normal, but become progressively smaller. Some nearly disappear in the latest state of that die. While other dies were undoubtedly lapped, there are no other cases in the series in which the stars sizes are affected nearly as much. A better designation would be to emphasize the die rust on that "Small Stars" die, which is apparent on Liberty's left (pole-holding) arm, even in the earliest known die state.
Luster: 0/0
Photo credit: Electric Peak Collection