5019

1797 1/2 C 1 Above 1 MS65 NGC. C-1, B-1, R.2. This is

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:2,200.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1797 1/2 C 1 Above 1 MS65 NGC. C-1, B-1, R.2. This is
<B>1797<1/2 C> 1 Above 1 MS65 NGC.</B></I> C-1, B-1, R.2. This is a remarkable example from the Eliasberg Collection, and while not the finest known for the variety, it is clearly among the best. It is the finest certified example, and it is also a dramatic and highly popular variety. Regardless of the variety, few high quality half cents of 1797 are known. In fact, this example is one of just 11 Uncirculated 1797 half cents (of any variety) listed in Walter Breen's <I>Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents.</B></I> Although that reference was published two decades ago, and much has changed in the numismatic scene since that time, the information contained therein still provides a good general indication of the importance of such pieces.<BR> The 1797 1 Above 1 variety is the most plentiful variety of the date, with a small number of Mint State pieces known, and a number of others in XF and AU grades. When the die was made, the date was first started too high, crowding the bust of Liberty. Attempts were made to remove the errant date before repunching the digits in their correct position. Nearly the entire digit 1 remains visible from the original date, in the space above the final digit 1. Remnants of the other digits are also visible. This example is an early die state, struck just before Manley Die State 2.0. The obverse crack through the right side of B is visible, but there is not trace of the bulge left of L. Faint obverse clash marks are also evident.<BR> The surfaces are lustrous with frosty medium brown color and traces of original red. The obverse is sharply defined, although slight low areas appear on Liberty's cheek. The reverse has some weakness in parts of the wreath. The impression is well centered with full borders, although they are narrow in places. EAC 60. Census: 1 in 65, 0 finer (7/06).<BR><I>Ex: Harlan P. Smith (S.H. & H. Chapman, 5/1906), lot 1195; J.M. Cla