1839-O Liberty Seated Dime, Mint State-66 (PCGS/CAC)
No Drapery, Rare Gem New Orleans Issue

Fortin 105, Greer 103, Ahwash 4 ~ Star 1 close to rock and low, stars 1, 2, 4, 12 and 13 show repunching. Large O mintmark. Early die state before the development of rim cuds and die cracks noted by Fortin.

Boldly struck, as typical for this issue, with fine die finishing lines still visible under a loupe. There are a few wispy hairlines across Liberty's right thigh, but no contact marks of any significance. The luster is satiny with only slight variation when turned in a light, the result of a finely granular surface texture. Obverse toning is mostly a blend of light gold and faint violet-blue, with a splash of green at the lower left and speckles of brown near the upper right rim. The reverse color is more vivid, with a blend of red, gold, green and blue about much of the rim, and splashes of iridescence about the center.

Early New Orleans Liberty Seated Dimes are well known rarities in Mint State, and the 1839-O is no exception. PCGS reports only 8 coins certified as MS-64 or higher, half the population of the much higher priced 1838-O No Stars, led by a single MS-67 and three coins graded PCGS MS-66.