1860 PATTERN HALF DIME; THE FAMOUS “COIN WITHOUT A COUNTRY”

Judd-267. R-4. Obverse of 1859 with the reverse of 1860. No mention of the issuing country is referenced, hence the nickname.

Examples of this famous issue were made as patterns, and it is believed that at least a few dozen were also made specially for collectors by the US Mint. That aside, this issue has traditionally been included in regular issue sets of Liberty Seated half dimes. Examples in MS66 and MS67 are known, and the single best is a remarkable PCGS MS68 that sold for $38,400 in 2020.

This is a beautifully toned 100% original Gem example with iridescent steel and violet hues covering both sides. The strike is slightly soft on a few of the stars but this coin has a wonderful look and it ranks as among the best-looking MS64’s of this date that I have ever seen.

No PCGS MS64 has sold since late 2019 when one brought $5,040. This one is tons nicer.

To say that this type is among the most under-priced 19th century issues in American numismatics is an understatement!

CAC has approved three in his grade with 13 finer.

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