Picked up a 1838 half dime today

My favorite lcs has been very picked over lately. I was able to find this small star variety and I’m pleased that it has some good detail left. Do I see doubling of the 1 and 8 in the date?Thoughts?

 

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1838 Repunched starts DDO - 003 obv. 3 rev 6 rpd 001

 

Well that’s a nice surprise.

 

All 1838 half dimes are a ddo as all the 9 different obv stars have been recut.

 

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I have about 8 1838 specimens large stars and small stars. As well specimens struck on rusted dies.

 

The artwork on the No Drapery half dimes (e.g. 1838) was better than it was in later years.



The Robert Ball Hughes interpretation, with drapery from the elbow, not as good.

 

Not to mention that the denticles weren't set up properly. The mid 1850's weren't actually teeth so to speak.

 

Hey Paddy, Your the man. Enlighten me about the nine stars out of 13 that are recut. Does this only apply to 1838 half dimes ?

Dave

 

Dave it isn't 9 of the 13 stars that are recut ....it's "9 obverse dies " whom stars were recut. So it could be
for example stars 1 and 3 or stars 7 and 9 that were recut.
The early mint records are hit or miss..some years the information is spot on... others no data or guessed the amount of used dies or proof struck. Then there are years where unsold proofs specimens were melted back down...as well other years ...were only a small number of proofs were struck then the proof die was used to strike mint state coins.
I have seen this first hand... where is it a proof strike or is it a proof die was used to strike mint state coins?
These can be fun to try and ID as unless the die was reworked polished, etc....where artifacts die markers etc.. can sort out a real proof strike or a ms strike using a retired proof die.
Since there were 9 obverse dies used in minting the 38 h 10 theres 9 ddo's. As you can see the recut stars arms.
I highly recommend that those interested in half dimes or us silver 3 cent pcs. Buy Kevin Flynn's books on hald dimes or the 3 cent silvers . Im sure these are still available though out of print.
You may ask Frank aka Treasure hunt as he always seems to have some old references for sale.
Now the reasons why I give so much attention to these 2 books.... other than Kevin....has researched and written any texts on these two series. Now true there's some good books on both series, unfortunately out of print, hard to find, as well costly.
His two books That I just posted...are the newest data available.

 

@Mojavedave

Here are the reference I was speaking of...k

 

Nice looking Half Dime

 

Thanks, it was a choice of this 1838 or a 1837 of similar grade. I’m happy with my decision

 

Yes, I would be too.

 

I’d have grabbed the no stars too

 

If I had picked both, my wife would not be happy. I went with what I believe is the harder to find of the two

 

The With Stars piece might be more popular, but the No Stars type is more historic as the first Seated Liberty half dime. In high grade, it is sharper than the with stars design. As Gobrecht added more features (stars), the sharpness faded a bit. Some collectors like to call them "baby Gobrechts" (Small version of the dollar).

 

Grab the 37 too if possible there two varieties

 

@NorCal

As a honest person I only feel obligated to tell you.... half dimes are extremely addictive! Pretty much like stopping by your local watering hole....and the cute bar maid puts out a bowl of salted peanuts...
You see where I am going here? You already crossed the line the 38 purchase....so at this point you're pretty much need to figure out how to buy the 37 without mama finding out...!
My best advice....denial....yup you don't know how,when or why....if she's a religious type person try using the miracle excuse.... of course that could mean being questioned by the local bishop.....
And you thought buying the half dime was a good idea? .... well the last time I had to pay off the pope with a box of peanut brittle...... I highly recommend See's Peanut Brittle.... believe me if you get a pope hooked on peanut brittle... you should be able to buy a 1846 H -10. ..NO questions asked...BTW he likes the pound box size.

 

Well, so far early seated coinage is really starting to grow on me. For half dimes I do have a 1840 o so I’m off to a good start. I have a 1839 o no stars dime so that is why I passed on the 37. I have other early seated coinage like a 40 and 43 dollar