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The Seated Liberty Half Dime of 1840 No Drapery in Fine condition is a numismatic treasure that belongs to a significant transitional moment in American coin design. This coin represents one of the earliest examples of the Seated Liberty half dime series, which began in 1837 and continued through 1873. What makes the 1840 No Drapery issue particularly interesting is its placement at the crossroads of a design revision; it was issued before the addition of extra drapery folds at Liberty’s elbow, distinguishing it from later issues. Struck in Philadelphia, it carries no mintmark and was made during a time when the United States Mint was refining its approach to design uniformity and artistic representation.
The design of the Seated Liberty Half Dime was created by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. It was inspired by neoclassical imagery and modeled after Britannia, the female personification of Britain. The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand and rests her right hand on a striped shield bearing the word “LIBERTY.” On the No Drapery version, the area below Liberty's elbow is noticeably bare, a feature that was changed later in 1840 by adding drapery lines to soften and refine the figure’s appearance. In Fine condition, the overall figure remains quite visible, with distinct outlines and moderate detail in the shield and folds of the gown, though some finer lines will have smoothed with circulation.
The reverse of the 1840 Seated Liberty Half Dime displays a simple but elegant wreath encircling the denomination “HALF DIME,” all surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The wreath is composed of olive and other agricultural branches and is a hallmark of the design's balance and symmetry. In Fine condition, the wreath's details are partially worn but still identifiable, and the legends are clear and bold. The small, hand-engraved feel of the lettering and the wreath design give this coin a distinctly early American character.
The Philadelphia Mint was the only U.S. minting facility in operation at the time the 1840 No Drapery half dimes were struck. As a result, these coins bear no mintmark, which became the norm for Philadelphia issues. The mint’s facilities were located on Chestnut Street, and by 1840, advances in coining presses and engraving techniques allowed for more intricate and consistent die work. Nevertheless, early die wear and variations in the hand-preparation of dies meant that each coin could still have minor differences, especially in features like the placement of the date or the exact appearance of Liberty’s profile.
The mintage for the 1840 No Drapery Seated Liberty Half Dime is estimated at approximately 1,034,000 coins. While this number may seem substantial, the No Drapery subtype was only struck briefly, and far fewer have survived in collectible condition. Over time, many were lost, melted, or worn beyond recognition. Today, surviving examples in Fine condition are highly sought after, especially by those assembling type sets or collecting early Seated Liberty issues by design variation. The transitional nature of the No Drapery subtype enhances its desirability and numismatic value.
The 1840 No Drapery half dime was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, standard for U.S. silver coins of the period. It weighs 1.34 grams and has a diameter of 15.5 millimeters, making it one of the smallest silver coins ever issued by the United States. The coin’s reeded edge helped to prevent tampering or clipping, a common problem with earlier precious metal coinage. Although diminutive in size, the half dime played a vital role in daily commerce, especially in a time when small change was essential for buying everyday goods and services.
In Fine condition, the 1840 No Drapery half dime shows considerable wear from circulation but retains a solid level of detail. Liberty’s outline, shield, and liberty pole remain visible, though finer features like her facial profile or the folds in her gown are more worn. On the reverse, the wreath’s shape is well-defined but lacks intricate detail, and the lettering is strong. This level of preservation allows collectors to appreciate both the historical role and artistic value of the coin while offering a more affordable entry point compared to higher-grade examples.
The No Drapery subtype marks an important transitional moment in U.S. coinage. While early 1840 issues were struck without drapery beneath Liberty’s elbow, later that year the design was modified to include flowing drapery lines, which remained standard for the rest of the series. The change was subtle but significant, driven by the desire for a more complete and polished design. Collectors today often seek to own both the No Drapery and With Drapery variants to complete a comprehensive type set and to highlight the evolution of American coin artistry.
The Seated Liberty Half Dime series saw numerous changes in its long run, including stars added to the obverse in 1838, various reverse modifications, and the use of branch mints beginning in the 1840s. But the 1840 No Drapery issue stands out as a unique blend of the old and new. It retains the simplicity of early U.S. coinage while introducing the refined figure of Liberty that would define the mid-19th century silver series. Its modest size and elegant design make it a favorite among collectors who appreciate the subtleties of numismatic progression.
The 1840 No Drapery Seated Liberty Half Dime in Fine condition is a classic example of early U.S. silver coinage with significant historical and artistic relevance. Though it exhibits signs of use, it remains a dignified and charming piece, representing a time when the nation was still expanding its coinage identity. Collectors of type coins, transitional issues, and Seated Liberty series will find this piece especially appealing for its rarity and story. Its understated beauty and historical context make it a meaningful addition to any serious American coin collection.