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Lot 0714 1837 Liberty Seated H10C. No Stars, Sm Date NG

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Lot 0714 1837 Liberty Seated H10C. No Stars, Sm Date NG
A simply stunning example of the 1837 No Stars Type, the strike is noteworthy for this often poorly preserved type. The focal features are all sharply defined, including all the delicate features of Liberty; plus, the luster is full with a richly frosted sheen. Bright and still gently toned.

During the latter half of the 1830s Mint officials decided to spruce up the silver coinage. They picked Christian Gobrecht to redesign the half dimes (and dimes), among other pieces, for which he created his now-famous rendition of an allegorical Liberty seated on a boulder; in one hand she supports a shield, while in her other, a pole with liberty cap dangling from the end. Gobrecht's motif first appeared on silver dollars of 1836. Dimes and half dimes followed in 1837, with stars added in 1838. But then the heavy hand of mediocrity descended like a leaden weight upon a lovely rose; for no sane reason, the mint told Robert Ball Hughes to remodel Gobrecht's delicate Liberty. This he did. The results were, shall we say, less than favorable? The 1837 Gem quality half dime offered here looks exactly like Gobrecht meant his innovative design to look. Do yourself a favor and acquire it for your collection.