I added another variety to my half dime collection.

Almost three years ago I bought an 1872-S half dime for my set. It is a boldly colored (though unevenly so), well struck, lustrous, unmarked gem, graded MS67 by PCGS. It is a super coin. But I am going for more than just the registry set. I also want to get as many of the major and minor varieties as I can. This coin is an example of the Mint Mark Below Bow variety.

So I was pleased to get a near twin to that coin. From the Heritage auction at the FUN show earlier this month I obtained an example of the 1872-S MM Above Bow variety. Its coloration is similar, as are its other characteristics. It is in a PCGS MS66 holder, with CAC sticker.

Half Dimes were minted in San Francisco from 1863 until the denomination was ended in 1873. From 1863 through 1869, the S mint mark appears on the reverse, below the bow knot at the bottom of the wreath. The unique 1870-S coin (and presumably the one in the cornerstone of the second San Francisco mint building), and the 1871-S half dimes have the S inside the wreath, above the bow knot. In 1872, both mint mark positions occur, and in 1873, the series ends with the mint mark below the bow knot. To my knowledge, no one knows a specific reason for the changes in mint mark position.

Here is a shot of the reverse. After all, I can't write about this coin because of the mint mark and not show it, right? Enjoy, and have fun hunting the things you like.

Alan

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