Need a Half Dime Expert

[Hard Times]

Hi Y'all,

Anyone know how to tell the difference between the repunched varieties for this 1844 half dime? Blythe in his book says the 1 and 8 are triple punched for V-3b, and quadruple punched for V-3c (FS 1844-301, 0.000.063 from the C-'Pickers Guide). This one has evidence for the 4 punches (I think) for the 1 in the right locations following Blythe, but even under magnification, I can't for sure find the north repunch on the 8 (these hd's are so darn small...). Two of the remnants of the punches on the 1, N and S, are weak, the northernmost one is very robust. Arrows point to the different remnants of the repunches. I have never seen an image of V-3b, this looks, to the best I can tell, like the 3c following Blythe and C'Pickers, but again, can't find that extra N punch on the 8 for sure. Any one know how to unequivocally distinguish them?

 

Thanks, Al

 

[DWLange]

These reflect different die states of the same die. As the die wears and gets refinished through lapping, portions of the repunching are polished away. Go to the VarietyPlus page at NGC's website to see a very early die state example with all features present and sharp.

 

This same condition applies to several duplicate variety listings found in the Breen encyclopedia. This was little understood in Valentine's time, but Walter should have known better.

[Hard Times]

Thanks David, will do, I was gonna bring it by the NGC table at ANA, still might....

 

Best, HT

[Barndog]

if you are at the ANA, try to find Steve Crain. He will likely be at the Liberty Seated Collectors Club meeting and the John Reich Collectors Society meeting. He will be able to tell you exactly what you have.

[Hard Times]

Thanks Barndog, alas those meetings are on different days that I attend but I will look for him, possibly connect through Osburn's table

[Barndog]

I believe he will be around all week...at least through Friday.