Mintage: 190,000.

Date Acquired: 19 February 2006.

Variety: F-101. Only one variety is currently known for this date.

About This Coin: I paid a little more than I would have planned for this date. But this is a VERY tough date to find in nice condition, especially this pristine, original and problem-free. It was listed as an EF-45, which I think is a little optimistic, but I think EF-40 is more realistic. Very strictly I'll grade it VF-35. Though it should be noted that the wreath details, particularly in the upper left, are often weak on the 1872-S; Greer and Fortin both confirm this, With that characteristic weakness in mind, an EF grade is reasonable as the coin has solid EF details everywhere else and the surfaces are at least a choice EF. Knowing the usual weakness on the '72-S, one could make a reasonable case for EF though I'm not comfortable making that claim. Nevertheless, I didn't flinch at paying EF money for it.

The coin is a joy to look at; it's one of a handful in my collections that just makes me happy when I look at it. It's original, very problem-free, has eye appeal galore and has almost no hits, blemishes or other significant marks to speak of. In short, it was worth a strong, premium offer. I LOVE the look of this coin and the color which is, to me, what circulated silver in this grade range should look like.

It's hard for me to imagine another 1872-S in this grade that is this appealing. Given that NGC has only graded 13 pieces finer than this one in terms of grade tells me that it's probably underrated in this condition, and even more so this nice and original. Greer and Fortin have estimated this date is R4 (76-200 known) in EF/AU condition, and I think it's safe to say that no more than 10% of those could compete with this one in terms of being this original and problem-free.

seated dime home here!

Most recently updated: 22 February 2008

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