A nice 1836 Half Dime, Small 5c, NGC MS-62. Better than I usually buy, but I got it for a good price; close to greysheet. I'm having so much trouble finding them that I'm willing to open the wallet a bit wider when I do. I took a chance it was a Small 5c. It looked like it in the image but I wasn't sure. Now I am. I still have to try(?) to work out the particular LM number. I have a terrible time doing that sort of thing and I've got the book! I'll send it back to NGC for attribution, at least for the "Small 5C".
Thanks for sharing, Kanga. From the PCGS pop reports, it looks like the large 5C outnumbers the small 5C about six to one in mint state so the attribution should be worth doing.
Nice addition Kanga! My oldest US coin is a half dime, but it's not in anywhere near as good condition as yours! (To give you an idea on the condition, I paid $5 for it last year!) Currently it's my only half dime, but I think they are pretty cool and I'll get more someday
I like it! Nice strike and luster. I don't know these at all, but if you post it on the CU forum half dime experts like "Barndog" and "Realone" will probably be all over it with an attribution. Nice pick!
I love your signature Andy Griffith is an all time Classic, I remember Opie saying that and thinking it wouldn't be if you were holding the Penny.
Something I didn't mention at the beginning, the reverse shows LOTS of features caused by a die clash. I'd have to post the larger image so you could see them well. But look in the area of the "5C.". What looks to be a die crack is actually a clash. And that vertical line under the eagle's chin is one too. And the closeup would show many features missing probably from being filed off particularly in the area of the eagle's talons and the arrows. I don't see any evidence of the clash on the obverse, so they must have changed that die.
I think it has to be LM-5, R.2 . That's the only Small 5c with S2S-6 alignment; the other have very different S2S alignment. Pic doesn't show if S11 and S12 are repunched; should be conspicuous on a coin that fresh. Also the repunched N should be clear in hand. Lotsa luster ! Not all MS62s look that good. Frosty !
Here's the two areas you mentioned. Unfortunately I didn't image the coin to get THAT close so they are at best marginal. But, yes, the diagnostics appear to be as you indicated. Also the "U" appears to be repunched. P.S. I looked at it somemore and all the other diagnostics seem to be there. I disagree with the comment "Faint die crack develops through the leaves and berrys." I see that as another part of the die clash. The comment, "Die severely lapped on the periphery;..." is just part of it. The arrow shafts next to the talons are VERY weak to gone as is the "leg" between the shield and talons.
