1865

1796 50C 16 Stars VF30 PCGS. O-102, High R.5. Early (p

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:35,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1796 50C 16 Stars VF30 PCGS. O-102, High R.5. Early (p
<B>1796<50C> 16 Stars VF30 PCGS.</B></I> O-102, High R.5. Early (pre-Turban) U.S. silver coinage underwent three distinct design changes: the Flowing Hair, the Draped Bust Small Eagle, and the Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle types. Only the half dime, half dollar, and dollar went through the entire progression. The dime and quarter were struck in only the Draped Bust Small and Heraldic Eagle design types.<BR> Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars consist of two design subtypes: 15 and 16 stars. The incipient 1796 issue had 15 stars. Sixteen stars were engraved on a second 1796-dated obverse die, apparently to commemorate Tennessee's admission to the Union as the 16th state. The star number was decreased to 15 on the 1797 obverse die. This change may have occurred because Mint personnel thought the 16-star obverse presented too much of a crowded appearance, especially along the left border.<BR> This piece shows a light gray cast overall with pale accents over the highpoints of the devices, and the peripheries display an olive tint. The design motifs are nicely centered, and the dentils are strong on both sides, except along the upper obverse border. The devices exhibit excellent detail for the grade with considerable definition on Liberty's hair and ear, breasts and drapery, the eagle's wing feathers, and the olive and palm leaves. Light, short adjustment marks are visible along the upper left obverse border, and beneath the two hair curls that drop from Liberty's ear. Some wispy slide marks are noted on the figure of Liberty, as are a few inoffensive pinscratches on the face, neck, and shoulder areas. A small indent, possibly a planchet defect, is located in the field between the eagle's beak and left (right facing) wing, serving to identify this coin. A relatively heavy die crack travels from the rim left of the date through the first four stars, and then exits at the rim lef