1870 was an interesting year for low mintage coins, and the half dime denomination is no exception. This coin has only one known example (although there may be two, more on that later in the blog). Designed by James B. Longcare, this coin's design is that of all of the Seated Liberty coinage of this era. 

For those who say cherry picking a dealer's stock is impossible or not profitable, the 1870-S half dime is certainly an example. In early 1978, the only known example of an 1870-S half dime was discovered and sold at a coin shop as a common type coin. There are varied accounts as to how the coin was actually sold, but I will share the most common three. Some say it was discovered in a "junk tray," and others say it was discovered in a "junk box." Still others claim it was bought over the counter as an example of the type. Whatever the case, the coin is certainly one to know about. 

I mentioned earlier that there may be another example in existence, and now I'll share why. The second San Francisco mint was built in 1870, and it is believed by some that an example of each denomination was struck by the San Francisco mint and placed into the cornerstone of the then new mint. If these coins were discovered, they would make national headlines inside and outside of numismatic circles because both the 1870-S half dime and the 1870-S three dollar gold piece have (purported) mintages of one, so another example being discovered would make quite the news story. 

Keep collecting, 

Thatcoinguy

Image Credit: PCGS