7100

1796 50C 16 Stars Fine 12 PCGS. O-102, R.6. The D

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:11,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1796 50C 16 Stars Fine 12 PCGS. O-102, R.6. The D
<B>1796<50C> 16 Stars Fine 12 PCGS.</B></I> O-102, R.6. The Draped Bust half dollar with a Small Eagle reverse bears the dates 1796 or 1797, with each date consisting of two varieties. The first variety of the 1796 issue has 15 obverse stars (Overton 101), while the second variety has 16 stars (Overton 102). The 16 star variety apparently commemorated Tennessee's June 1, 1796 admission to the Union as the 16th state. While the dies may have been prepared prior to this date, Mint records indicate that the first Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars were not delivered by the Chief Coiner until February 28, 1797.<BR> The present 16 star example is nicely centered, and has full Fine details, with nice residual definition showing in the middle and lower parts of Liberty's hair. The dentilation is fairly strong on each side, except along the upper obverse. Medium gray patina visits the peripheral areas, transitioning to a lighter rose-gray in the centers. A few light adjustment marks are visible in the hair beneath Liberty's ear. The surfaces are relatively clean for the grade, displaying just a few minute contact marks over each side.<BR> Only 3,918 Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars were reportedly minted, and less than 300 are estimated to have survived the ravages of time, making these pieces of Americana the most elusive and highly-valued of all U. S. type coins. Because a 1796 or 1797 half dollar is necessary for the completion of a type set, this lot is likely to see spirited bidder competition.