64
|
Dimes
L
OVELY
P
ROOF
1857 L
IBERTY
S
EATED
D
IME
Enlargement
336
1857
.
PCGS graded Proof 65
. Only 70 minted. Vivid blue
toning on the obverse. An astonishing gem of the best pos-
sible order whose Proof surfaces play host to robust toning
on this handsome coin. We can state further that it is a
nicely struck example, one exhibiting fine detail on all the
high points including Liberty's hair and gown, the shield
and stars, and where even the rim dentils are clear as a
bell. The simple wreath-with-legend reverse was used on
Stars Obverse Seated Dimes. It too is razor-sharp. Both
sides of this coin are appreciably reflective in the fields with
original cobalt-blue toning. The lighter toned reverse has
some medium dusky lavender in the center ringed with iri-
descent blue.
Pop 4; 5 finer, 4 in 66, 1 in 67
. (
PCGS #
4746
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $5,500 - 6,000
337
1858
.
NGC graded Proof 65
. A hint of gold tone around the
obverse rims. Well struck. Only 300 minted. The outer ring of
iridescent gold and amber toning, most developed on the
obverse, yields to mirror-deep silvery fields, and gorgeous
frosted relief. A truly superior example of this extremely desir-
able early Proof. Worthy of a strong price.
The year 1858 is typically given as the time when Proof coins
were widely made available to numismatists. It is likely that
these were made in sets, consisting of one each of the silver
denominations, trime, half dime, dime, quarter, half dollar, and
silver dollar, although practice at the time was that pieces could
be ordered separately. An early numismatist, R. Alonzo Brock,
March 13, 1860, motioned in his writing: "The Mint has raised
its Proof sets this year [1860] to $3. Until now they charged
merely their actual value of $2.02 [including minor coins], but
last year the demand was so great that it kept the time of one
person occupied nearly the whole year, attending to getting up
the pieces and delivering them, they all being struck on the
hand press with special care. So, this year they justify the addi-
tional charge on the grounds of the trouble and time used. The
Proof sets of back years increase in value rapidly. Those of 1859
are already worth $4.50 to $5 and of previous years $8 to $10,
and perhaps even more. Previous to 1859 there were very few
struck in each year; not over 200 sets. The set of 1858 pos-
sesses a value on this account that there were no silver dollars
at all struck of that year, except about 210 to go into the Proof
sets, so these dollars will soon be very rare indeed. In fact, they
are worth $5 already."
Pop 17; 11 finer, 8 in 66, 2 in 67, 1
in 67 Star
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,000 - 3,300
338
1858
.
PCGS graded Proof 64.
CAC Approved
. A blast white
Proof. Only 100 minted. The brilliant white surface displays light
satiny frost on the devices and consistent reflective mirrors over
both sides. A well struck and lustrous Gem Stars Obverse
Seated Dime that has carefully preserved surfaces. Clear-cut
devices point to it having been giving a full, clear blow by the
dies. Weakness often occurs at a few locations on most of this
issue such as the stars and Liberty's head to name but two.
However on this handsome Dime, all areas are bold. Proof
Dimes of this style are rare in any numismatic season, and we
recommend that a liberal bid be placed to have fair chance to
acquire this beauty.
Pop 29; 13 finer, 1 in 64+, 9 in 65, 3 in
66
. (
PCGS # 4747
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,800 - 1,900
339
1859-O
.
NGC graded MS-65
. Fully white coin. Boldly struck.
A sparkling coin bursting with luster, gently toned and otherwise
white in appearance. The surfaces are clear of marks though we
do see a minor scuff in the field by stars 2 and 3. There is a die
break from the rim above Liberty’s head, crossing her top hair
to the 8th star, across the tip of the cap, and on to the rim
above star 9. Taking stock of another key aspect of the grade,
this piece has knife-edged devices throughout, including all
stars, centers, and rather than a soft, mushy strike as some-
times seen, a full wreath.
Pop 19; 15 finer, 11 in 66, 3 in
67, 1 in 68
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,900 - 2,000
