19031

1797 1/2 C Lettered Edge. C-3b, B-3a, R.4 Fine 15 Unce 1797[1/2 C] Lettered Edge. C-3b, B-3a, R.4. D

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1797 1/2 C Lettered Edge. C-3b, B-3a, R.4 Fine 15 Unce 1797[1/2 C] Lettered Edge. C-3b, B-3a, R.4. D
<B>1797<1/2 C> Lettered Edge. C-3b, B-3a, R.4. Die State 2. VF35 NGC. Fine 15 EAC.</B></I> Crowded date, low head; Triplet below ME. 92.8 grains. After being discontinued for some 1795 Half Cents, all 1796 Half Cents, and most 1797 Half Cents, the Lettered Edge made a brief comeback - before being discontinued for the rest of the series through 1857. This is the intermediate die state before the bulge in the right obverse field actually formed a die crack from the chin to the border. The reverse is cracked through the E of UNITED and the wreath, into the field below H. Several 1797 Lettered Edge Half Cents are known with Large Cent undertype. On some examples, the undertype is so strong that Walter Breen was not certain which impression came first, but it is now quite definite that these Half Cents were struck over Large Cents that had been cut down to Half Cent size.<BR> Although the surfaces are lightly abraded, this is a splendid example with lovely chocolate-brown color. Some weakness is visible along the bust of Liberty, and opposite through the top of the right branch and the right side of HALF CENT. A number of higher grade examples are known, yet this is finer than the majority of pieces to appear on the market. Be sure to bid strongly for this coin deserves an appreciative new home.<BR><I>Ex: Richard Shimkus; Jim McGuigan (6/16/1984).</B></I> Envelope Included.