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Coin of the Day

1829 Capped Bust Half Dime
NGC MS-65

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1829 Capped Bust Half Dime

Long before the introduction of our current five-cent piece, this denomination was represented by a silver coin of diminutive size. United States Mint Chief Engraver William Kneass created the design seen on this specimen from 1829.

After a lapse of nearly a quarter century, the coinage of half dimes resumed on July 4 of that year. The impetus was the adoption of the close collar, which gave United States coins a distinct border and uniform diameters. This early variety features three vertical lines in each stripe of the shield. Possibly saved as one of the first emissions of its type, this lovely specimen has survived in gem condition. It exhibits an absolutely full strike and exceptionally clean surfaces. Finely-grained frostiness is combined with just a touch of prooflike reflectivity, and this jewel is beautifully toned in light gray and gold.

NGC Census

The NGC online census of graded coins is a wonderful tool that is intuitive and user-friendly. You’ll find a complete listing of USA coin types, divided into MS (Mint State and circulated coins) and PF (Proof coins). Clicking on the desired category will open that particular selection, and further options for obtaining more detailed information will appear. A separate tab is provided for NGC-certified world coins.
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Coin Grading Guide: From 1 to 70

NGC Research Director Dave Lange looks at the entire series of United States coins, on a type-by-type basis, providing tips on how each coin type is graded and qualities to seek in selecting optimum examples. Now you can shop for coins well armed with useful facts and insights that will help you avoid many pitfalls.
Go to the Coin Grading Guide — From 1 to 70 »

Verify NGC Certification

Use this online tool to compare the certification details of any coin against the NGC certification database. This is also a great launching off point to learn more about your coin. In addition to seeing the grade and attribution details associated with your coins, you will also be provided the NumisMedia Price Guide value, a link to its population figures and a link to its coin encyclopedia entry.
Verify Certification tool instructions»
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Coin Encyclopedia

The Coin Encyclopedia contains historical summaries prepared by NGC's research department with obverse and reverse images of the coin and including detailed information about coin designs and associated reference materials. You can search by category or by entering a term in the search field. Currently there are almost 200 coin designs in the library.
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Numismedia FMV Price Guide

A feature incorporated into the online Census of NGC-certified coins is the NumisMedia Price Guide. By clicking on a highlighted coin issue, a table appears that features both that coin’s certified population and its corresponding values across several grades. These figures represent the Fair Market Value as established by NumisMedia, an independent compiler of prices at which coins are offered to collectors by dealers.
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Numismatic Bibliography

NGC's research department uses many resources when researching information for VarietyPlus and the Coin Encyclopedia. You can search through the Reference used from this page.
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VarietyPlus

NGC maintains a comprehensive guide to the varieties we recognize on our website, and a future release of this catalog includes important attribution information and detailed photographs. Coin details are a benefit of paid NGC Collectors Society membership. All visitors may explore the VarietyPlus category information.
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Glossary

Numismatics, like any specialized field, has a language all its own. To help you find your way, NGC created this alphabetical glossary of common numismatic terms that you may encounter on the NGC certification label and elsewhere on this
Web site.
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World Gold Coins Value Guide

The World Gold Coins Value Guide is your resource for average asking prices of common date examples of NGC-certified World coins. Values may fluctuate depending on whether a coin meets NGC’s grading criteria, but the figures shown are based on actual observed trades, and serve as an excellent tool for dealers and collectors.
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