Hello, I’m the biggest cheapskate in Seated collecting and I have acquired yet another key date Seated Dime. I purchased this piece for $25. Although the mintmark area has been holed through, I ran it through Gerry Fortin’s web-book. As many of you know, coins from the western mints in this time period often come mutilated. Only one die pair was used to strike 1870-S dimes. This die pair has: 1) A broken/weak top of the first S in STATES 2) Lathe lines in Liberty’s gown - most prominently just to the right of the shield 3) Misplaced date punches in the denticles 4) Unique date position, farther right than any 1870 Philadelphia issue 5) Very weakly impressed ONE DIME on the reverse This coin exhibits all five of these features. It is unmistakably an 1870-S. This would be a $900 coin problem-free, and it’s probably worth more than $25, but I’m not sure by how much. Perhaps ANACS would be able to slab it if I really wanted to and identified the Fortin variety? If they can slab 1916 SLQs with the date completely worn off based on die characteristics, I don’t see why this would be beyond authentication. Hope this thread at least proved interesting, even if coins like this aren't your cup of tea.
That is a very large hole in the coin. It was a very popular thing to do during that time. I have a few holed coins but have no desire to collect them, to each their own though right. There are many enthusiasts that enjoy collecting them. Thanks for sharing and good luck.
Idk if they would, but do update if they do. I have an 1895 O that is so worn the mm is almost gone. I hadn't thought to see if it was a specific die variety for that year/mm I'm going to have to dig it out now... The mm i think is there but scarcely visible.
Your diligence towards identification is impressive. As one now eight years into this series by date/mint mark this is one of the 36 remaining which I lack. You did well for sure even with the hole.
1) A broken/weak top of the first S in STATES 2) Lathe lines in Liberty’s gown - most prominently just to the right of the shield 3) Misplaced date punches in the denticles 4) Unique date position, farther right than any 1870 Philadelphia issue 5) Very weakly impressed ONE DIME on the reverse I'm not seeing #3, can you point it out? I think it's a pretty neat coin, I'd add it to my collection any day. I wouldn't be smart enough to spot the markers, but still...
Awesome progress. It’s a real real tough set for sure. How many of the 1856-1873 S-mint dimes do you have?
Purchased this one from a member of a coin group that I’m in. Little upside of that is it’s not an ebay find where you have to get it’s immediately after it’s listed. Think it was up for a day or so?
