1872-S H10C Mintmark Above Bow MS66 认证号12208102, PCGS号4402

Ron Guth

1872-S Half Dimes are found in two major varieties: one with the mintmark within the wreath (below DIME) and another with the mintmark below the wreath.  There does not appear to be an official explanation for this difference; rather, it seems that the placement of the mintmark was at the discretion of the die-sinker at the Philadelphia Mint (where the vast majority of mintmarks were added to the dies before they were shipped to the appropriate branch mint).  There is ample precedent for the "travelling" mintmark.  From 1838-1859, the mintmarks on Half Dimes were placed within the wreath.  From 1860-1869, the mintmarks are below the wreath.  From 1870-1872, the mintmark moved back to below the wreath, except for the 1872 variety with the mintmark within the wreath.  Was a leftover die from 1869 or earlier re-used in 1872?  It appears not, as the mintmark in 1872 is a different size and shape from that on the 1869.

According to the PCGS Population Report, the Mintmark Above variety is much scarcer than the Mintmark Below variety.  The most commonly seen grade is MS-64, followed by equal quantities of MS-63 and  MS-65.  Gems are very scarce but not unreasonably so.  None 1872-S Mintmark Above Half Dimes have been graded better than MS-67 by PCGS (as of August 2011).  The finest PCGS-certified example is a single MS-67+.