1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No Arrows. V-1. MS-66+ (PCGS). CAC.
Exquisite surfaces offer intense satiny mint luster and, on the obverse, exceptionally vivid toning in iridescent golden-orange and reddish-rose. The more reserved reverse shows blue-gray peripheral color around a sandy-silver center. Impressively full in strike with crisp detail to even the most intricate design elements. The 1853 No Arrows half dime is a scarce key date issue with a mere 135,000 pieces produced. The mintage was achieved in two batches: 50,000 coins on February 19 and 85,000 pieces on February 22. As the latter delivery came one day after the Act of February 21, 1853 reduced the weight of the half dime from 1.34 grams to 1.24 grams, it is likely that the 85,000 pieces struck on February 22 were destroyed through melting. Many of the 50,000 coins from the initial delivery probably met the same fate, and those that did not were quickly snatched up by bullion dealers and speculators since their precious metal value exceeded their face value. Even so, a number of Mint State coins managed to survive, perhaps as part of a small hoard that Walter Breen asserts was found by Harold P. Newlin during the 19th century. Supremely attractive at the Gem Mint State grade level, the present example would serve as a highlight in any collection of Liberty Seated coinage.
PCGS# 4351. NGC ID: 233M.
PCGS Population: 2; 2 finer (MS-68 finest). CAC Population: 5; 1. The former total includes coins certified both MS-66 and MS-66+.
From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.

Estimate: $4500