The transitional 1859 Seated Liberty dime, lacking any reference to nation of issue because of design changes, is known by fewer than 20 examples.

An example graded Proof 64 Cameo by Numismatic Guaranty Corp. is being offered July 10 in Orlando, Fla., during Heritage Auctions’ Premier Summer FUN session.

Listed as Judd 233 in United States Patterns Coins by J. Hewitt Judd, edited by Q. David Bowers, with research associate Saul Teichman, the piece is nicknamed "transitional" because the coin appears without the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The inscription originally appeared on the reverse of the Seated Liberty dime, from the coin's introduction in 1837 through 1859 and 1860 (the end date of the design's use differs by Mint facility). The inscription was moved to a modified obverse in 1860 when a totally new, Cereal Wreath reverse was introduced.

Judd 233 was struck with the With Stars obverse of 1838 to 1859 and the Cereal Wreath reverse of 1860.

More details can be found on Gerry Fortin’s SeatedDimeVarieties.com website.

Heritage's auction is being held in conjunction with the Florida United Numismatists Summer Convention at the Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, 9800 International Dr.

For more on Heritage Auctions 1,940-lot sale July 10 and 11, visit Heritage online, telephone 800-872-6467, or write the firm at 3500 Maple Ave., 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219.

Read more of Coin World's Summer FUN auction previews:

• Proof 1990-S Lincoln, No S cent
• 1797 Draped Bust, Small Eagle half dollar, O-101a variety
• 1907 Indian Head, Wire Rim, With Periods gold $10 eagle

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