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Incredible Near-Gem 1840-O With Drapery Half Dime in NGC MS-64+ The Single Finest Graded at Either NGC or PCGS

One of the fabulous rarities being offered in our February Showcase Auction is lot 1048, a fabulous 1840-O with Drapery half dime. This near-gem example, graded MS-64+ by NGC, is the single finest specimen of the variety recorded on the NGC Census Report and the PCGS Population Report, and ranks among the absolute finest of all 1840 half dimes struck at the New Orleans Mint.

In 1840 the Mint introduced new hubs for the obverse and reverse of the Liberty Seated half dime; these changes included an extra drapery fold that hangs off Liberty’s elbow. The reverse hub change is most easily identified by the open berry buds above H and F of HALF. The 1840-O is considerably rare regardless of grade, garnering a Rarity-5 rating even in the Good to Very Good range and considered Rarity-7 in any Mint State grade. Q. David Bowers suggests that the entire mintage of 240,000 with Drapery 1840-O half dimes was struck either in late 1840 or early 1841.

The fabulous, and finest graded example we are offering is totally original. Displaying a rich luster on both sides, the surfaces are overlaid with iridescent golden-rose toning that yields to blushes of powder blue along the right obverse and reverse rims. The surfaces of this jewel are exceptionally clean and free of any distractions. To complete the eye appeal trifecta, the strike is crisp, with just some minor evidence of die fatigue on the reverse periphery.

If you are assembling the finest set of Seated Liberty half dimes, this is a must have! Who knows when another high end example will come to market. To view the entire February 2025 Showcase Auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign to an upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected].

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