Seated Liberty Half Dime H10C Stars Obverse, 1840-1859 PR CAM [Type]

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 1.34 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 15.5 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans.

Key to Collecting: Half dimes of the first type with stars, but still without drapery, were minted to the extent of six million or so coins and they are plentiful in all grades. Mint State coins are also plentiful, though scarcer than the next type. Finding an attractive example that is just right should present no problem.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Most are well struck and are very pleasing in appearance, usually with satiny luster rather than a deep flashy frost.

Proof Coins: A few Proofs were made of each of the years of this type.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 1840–1853: 1.34 grams; 1856–1859: 1.24 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 15.5 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans.

Key to Collecting: Half dimes of this type were minted in large quantities, so finding a nice example for a type set will be easy enough to do. Mint State coins are plentiful as a type, although certain dates and varieties are rare. Most on the market are dated in the 1850’s.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Vary widely. Generally, the earlier dates are better struck and sharper than later issues, but there are exceptions. Points to check include the star centers, the head and other details of the Liberty Seated figure, the leaves on the reverse, and the denticles on both sides. Luster varies.

Proof Coins: Proofs were first widely sold to collectors in 1858 in which year an estimated 210 silver sets were distributed. It is believed that 800 Proofs were struck of 1859, of which slightly more than 400 found buyers. Proofs were made of earlier dates, but in much smaller numbers. The quality of Proofs on the market varies widely, and patience and care are needed to find a choice example.