Lot 1412
1853. With Arrows, Dot Below 5. FS-401. PCGS graded Genuine. Surface Damage - AU Details. The only example reported. Rumored to be a record specimen, but never confirmed.
The 1853 Seated Liberty Half Dime "with Arrows" Dot Below 5 became a controversial piece since it firstly reported by Linda Hagopian in 1999. One might just consider the dot as being an random die chip at the first glance. However, if examined under a magnifier, it is clear that the dot was struck intentionally. Numismatists still couldn't figure out the exact purpose of the dot, and therefore, still cannot identify the coin as an independent variety. One possible reason given by Ken Potter is that the dot was "used to 'locate' the stationary end of a compass", this explanation was also confirmed by Joseph E. Dinardo, a New York sculptor, engraver, and minter. But the controversies still exist, such as "why no other examples have been found in the dozen years". Therefore, the Hagopian's piece remains to be the only specimen, and the reason for the existence of the variety still remains as a mystery. Estimated Value $1,000-UP
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| Realized $891 |
