The 1840-dated Liberty Seated half dollars possesses a curious element of anonymity, in that they were manufactured at two different minting facilities, yet no examples were struck with a traditional mintmark. However, further research has shed some light on this uncertainty.
A more petite legend, known as the Small Letters Reverse, identifies an 1840 half dollar as a product of the Philadelphia Mint and, thereby distinguishes it from its New Orleans Mint counterparts which display the Medium Letters, Large Eagle reverse and were surreptitiously produced without an O mintmark. The WB-104 die pairing, as represented by the present offering, is the most visually dramatic variety of this issue, with especially bold repunching to the digits 18 in the date. Obtainable enough in low to mid-circulated grades, the 1840 is scarce in EF and AU, and rare to very rare in all Mint State grades. The exceptional Gem we offer in our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, November 5-8 would do justice to the finest collection of Liberty Seated coinage.
This is an exceptionally well-preserved, full Gem quality example, boldly toned in mauve and sandy-gray patina with subtle lilac-blue and pale pink undertones. The surfaces are satiny and lustrous and the strike is razor sharp throughout. The quality of this piece readily upholds the validity of the coveted MS-65 rating from PCGS.
View this and the rest of their November 2015 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo next month at StacksBowers.com. For more information or to reserve your copy of the catalog, please visit StacksBowers.com or call their offices at 1-800-458-4646.