1868 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. OGH--First Generation.

1868 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. OGH--First Generation.，The brilliant semi-prooflike surfaces feature appreciable cameo contrast between the fields and devices. This sharply struck half dime is at the threshold of full Gem quality. These are scarce in all grades, as perhaps the mintage of 88,600 circulation strikes might imply. As silver continued to be hoarded in the East and Midwest during the early Reconstruction era, little bullion reached the Philadelphia Mint for new coinage. Indeed, with the typical survivor grading VF or higher the 1868 half dime as an issue does not appear to have seen widespread circulation. We believe that the release of limited numbers of coins into commerce occurred after silver and paper bills were exchangeable at par, at which time they were set aside by contemporary numismatists who perceived these earlier-dated examples as scarcities. The present near-Gem was likely preserved since the time of striking and is a strong candidate for inclusion in an advanced cabinet.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from Superiors Father Flanagans Boys Home Sale, May 1990, lot 1371; via Stacks.，