1913 Liberty Nickel
One of the most famous coins which has also seen recognition pass into the mainstream of American culture is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. The appeal of this issue comes from the rarity of having only five specimens known as well as the mystery surrounding its original mintage.
The issue is basically a coin which should not exist. The design for the five cent piece was changed in 1913, meaning the final coins bearing the old Liberty Head design should have been minted in 1912 and carry that date. The new design by James Earle Fraser would be carried by all 1913 dated nickels.
The idea that some 1913 Liberty Nickels might exist was first suggested in 1919 when Samuel Brown offered a price of $500 for any specimens. Whether or not this was simply a publicity stunt to bring attention to coins he already possessed remains unknown. Whatever the case, he displayed one such coin the following year. There were reportedly five specimens which comprised the entire mintage.
Mainstream fame for the mysterious issue came in 1972 when an actual example was used within an episode of the television program Hawaii Five-O. The coin was the focus of the episode and brought the rarity and mystery of the coin to millions of American’s in their very own home.
Since this time, examples have sold for high prices at auction. In fact, a 1913 Liberty Nickel was the first coin to sell at auction for more than $1 million. Prices have spiraled ever upwards with the finest known piece commanding a price of $5 million in a private transaction.
Key Date Coin Stats:
- Series: Liberty Head Nickels
- Date: 1913
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 5
- Values: $2.5 million+
1793 Chain Cent
Amongst the early desirable coins of the United States Mint stands the 1793 Chain Cent. The reverse design which was briefly used proved to be somewhat controversial in the time of issue, but has come to be an enduring symbol of early America.
The coins were struck at the very onset of American coinage, shortly following the passage of the Coinage Act of 1792. The simple design by Henry Voigt featured a representation of Liberty on the obverse and a chain with thirteen links on the reverse. The design quickly received unfavorable reviews from contemporary newspapers, who criticized the frightened look on Liberty and the curious symbology of the reverse. This might have been mistaken for the relationship with Britain or slavery.
These reviews led to the quick redesign to feature a wreath on the back. The original Chain design had a mintage of 36,103 pieces, which makes it very scarce amongst early copper coinage of the United States. As a one year type, there is additional demand for the coin.
Modern collectors have a greater appreciation for the simple design created by Voigt and count it amongst one of the most memorable renditions of Liberty from coinage. Greater appreciation has developed for the simple symbol of thirteen chain links which appear on the reverse. These coins are in constant demand from collectors at any grade level. Examples from well worn and damaged to mint state will capture the attention and bids of collectors.
Key Date Coin Stats:
- Series: Flowing Hair Cents
- Date: 1916
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 52,000
- Values: $4,000 (AG-3) to $1.3 million+ (Finest Known)
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Key dates for 20th century series are particularly desirable and well known since there are a greater number of collectors actively pursuing these series. This provides for steady demand for even lower grade examples for those seeking completion. Demand can be intense for the highest graded coins as multiple parties compete to have the best collection.
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter falls into this category with a incredibly limited mintage of just 52,000 pieces struck at the Philadelphia Mint for the first year of the new design. This ranks as not only the lowest mintage for the series, but also represents one of the absolute lowest mintages for any 20th century coin. The key date is extremely well known to collectors of United States coins.
The original mintage it seems was released quietly into circulation and not heavily saved by the public. Instead the public would retain examples of the higher mintage issue of the following year. Little attention was paid to the rare 1916-dated coin until later, when most examples had been circulated. This results in relatively few examples of the coin surviving, particularly in higher grades. Thus, the already considerably low mintage is enhanced by a lower rate of survival.
Collectors seeking the best will pursue examples of the key date with a full strike. This is denoted by a “full head” present on the reverse. Third party grading companies will designate “FH” for coins displaying well defined detail in the hair and a complete hair line division present.
The value of the 1916 Standing Liberty can be around $3,000 even for the most well worn examples. These may only include full visibility of the final digit of the date, but collectors will still desire these coins for completion of a set. On the other end of the scale, higher end uncirculated examples particularly with the Full Head designation can command prices in excess of $100,000. When these come up for auction, they make quite an impression.
Key Date Coin Stats:
- Series: Standing Liberty Quarters
- Date: 1916
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 52,000
- Values: $3,000 (G-4) to $140,000+ (MS67FH)
Reference:
1802 Draped Bust Half Dime
Once known as the “King of Half Dimes”, this issue represents an elusive and classic rarity that has been highly prized by collectors for more than a century.
The Draped Bust series of half dimes was introduced in 1796 with a new obverse design likely based on a portrait by Gilbert Stuart and engraved by Robert Scot. Liberty was pictured with hair lightly bound hair and a bust which was partially draped. For the initial years of the series, the reverse design of the prior series continued to be used. This was altered in 1800, when a new heraldic eagle design was adopted.
The smallest silver denomination had somewhat modest mintages for the early years of production. Then for a single year production declined dramatically, after which it rebounded. This created the immensely rare 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime, which went unrivaled as the rarest half dime for much of numismatic history. It has only been since the discovery of the enigmatic 1870-s issue that a lower figure has been registered.
The value of the 1802 half dime actually seems modest in relation to its rarity. With only 35 pieces known, the issue is rarely offered at auction. Some recent appearance have resulted in sales prices above $300,000 for the best condition coins. However, even well worn or damaged pieces commonly sell for more than $15,000.
Key Date Coin Stats:
- Series: Draped Bust Half Dimes
- Date: 1802
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 3,060
- Values: $20,000 (AG) to $300,000+ (AU)
Reference:
1792 Half Disme
Holding an extremely important place within numismatic history is the 1792 Half Disme. These were the first coins officially struck in the United States under the authority of the Coinage Act of 1792.
Although there is some differing opinion as to whether this was considered a pattern or an actual circulating coin, it was referred to by President George Washington as “a small beginning in the coinage of half dismes.” The number of coins struck was approximately 1,500 pieces, some of which apparently circulated in the early United States. This is based on the fact that surviving specimens are both uncirculated and circulation in condition.
The obverse design features an image of Liberty, facing left. It was once rumored that the portrait was inspired by First Lady Martha Washington, but this has mostly been dismissed. The obverse inscription is an abbreviated form of the statement “Liberty, Parent of Science & Industry”, a phrase coined by Benjamin Franklin. The reverse design features an eagle in flight, much different in appearance from later eagles on American coinage. The inscriptions include “United States of America” and “Half Disme.”
Examples of the 1792 Half Dime are always in demand from collectors due to the important nature of the piece. A well worn specimen grading About Good can be priced above $8,500. At the highest end of the spectrum, a specimen striking graded PCGS SP67 has sold for $1,322,500, and an example graded NGC MS 68 sold for $1,500,000.
Key Date Coin Stats:
- Series: Half Dismes
- Date: 1792
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 1,500
- Values: $8,500 (AG-3) to $1,500,000 (Finest Known)
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