Photo Denom Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 10C 1838 Seated 10C 1838
No Drapery, Small Stars 		MS63 PCGS
60192235 		F-101a
 Choice $1500 Small Stars, Tough Grade, Typical Frosted Luster, Late Die State, Choice Overall, Indiana Collection. The 1838 F-101 Small Stars die pairing demonstrates die preparation workmanship issues during the years of the design. Firstly, the obverse die was erroneously punched with the smaller half dime star punch. During working die creation, the reverse is obviously doubled in the left wreath and at (O)NE (D)IME. Initial strikes occurred with the obverse die cracking at Liberty's head and progressive die cracking down through the left field stars and into the date. Eventually, a reverse die crack forms at STATE(S OF AMER)ICA. I would occasionally see Small Stars dimes in the 1990s but their appearance frequency has dropped appreciable in the current market. Locating example in Mint State grades further increases the collecting challenge. This new release example, from the Dr. Tim Cook Collection, exhibits typical frosted surfaces with light grayish toning with darker shades on the reverse. The die state is F-101 with the obverse die crack fully extended into the date. An unquestionably original piece to consider at a fair offer price. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.