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1796 50C 15 Stars--Environmental Damage--NCS. VF Detai 1796[50C] 15 Stars--Environmental Damage--NCS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:22,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1796 50C 15 Stars--Environmental Damage--NCS. VF Detai 1796[50C] 15 Stars--Environmental Damage--NCS
<B>1796<50C> 15 Stars--Environmental Damage--NCS. VF Details.</B></I> O-101, R.5. The diagnostic die crack that extends from the edge at 5 o'clock to Liberty's bust, and turns right through the drapery and connects stars 15, 14, and 13, is very prominent. As mentioned in the introductory section to the 1796-1797 Draped Bust half dollars, this crack is visible on virtually all known 1796 Fifteen Star specimens. The middle and lower portions of Liberty's hair display nice detail, as do most of the eagle's wing and tail, and the design elements are well centered on the planchet.<BR> Both sides display pinkish-gray patination, which is joined on the obverse with lime-green coloration, yielding a somewhat streaked appearance. Occasional hints of lilac and sky-blue visit each side. The surfaces reveal no mentionable abrasions, and are devoid of adjustment marks. Wispy slide marks on the Liberty and eagle motifs are mentioned for accuracy, but are not offensive. The NCS "Environmental Damage" designation apparently refers to the areas of lime-green coloration on the obverse that may have been associated with some sort of residue.<BR> Overall, this is a decent example of the 1796 Fifteen Stars variety, despite the NCS disclaimer. The surfaces do not appear to be seriously impaired. Considering the fact that the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar is one of the keys to completing a type set of U. S. coinage, we expect that this lot will generate spirited bidding.<BR><I>Ex: From the C. L. Arnold Collection (Stack's, September 1968), lot 1117.</B></I>