Ron Guth:
The 1846 Half Dime is the key to the re-Civil War Half Dimes and has the lowest mintage, by far, of any date prior to 1863. As a result, this date is popular in all grades, even down to Good condition, making it difficult and expensive for collectors to own this date. In Mint State, the 1846 Half Dime is extremely rare, with only a handful known to exist, and none better than MS-62. The PCGS Condition Census includes a number of About Uncirculated pieces, some as low as AU-53. Apart from the unique 1870-S, this is the most desirable of all the Seated Liberty Half Dimes.