LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2007 Jan (FUN) Heritage Signature Coin #422  / 

957

1797 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. O-101a,

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:42,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1797 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. O-101a,
<B>1797 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details.</B></I> O-101a, High R.4. The appearance of a 1796-1797 Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar at auction, even those that display impairments, is always the cause of excitement. This is because its two-year-type status makes it necessary for the completion of a type set of United States coinage. Early half dollar specialists attempting to assemble a date and/or variety collection place additional demand on this series. High demand and a paltry mintage of 3,918 pieces, followed by a relatively low survival rate, have all combined to maintain a relatively high value for 1796-1797 half dollars since the dawn of American coin collecting in the 1850s. Published estimates of the number of extant pieces range from about 100 to 300 examples, though recent empirical research has accounted, to date, for about 225 or so coins.<BR><BR> Four varieties of Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars are known. The first 1796 variety (Overton 101) consists of 15 obverse stars. The star number on 1796-dated coins was eventually increased to 16 (Overton-102), apparently to commemorate Tennessee's June 21, 1796 admission to the Union as the 16th state. The two 1797 varieties (Overton-101 and Overton-102), each bearing 15 obverse stars, are differentiated by slight differences in the reverse wreath alignment vis-a-vis the peripheral lettering. The 1797 Overton-101 variety eventually developed extensive spindly die cracks on the reverse, resulting in an Overton-101a die state.<BR><BR> The 1797 AU Details specimen offered in this lot is Overton-101a. Fine hairlines on both sides are well concealed within the bluish-gray toning that is accented by occasional blushes of orange-gold and magenta, particularly on the obverse. The design elements exhibit sharp detail, and are nicely centered on the planchet. A few light obverse adjustment marks are visible. Each side reveals a mark or two that may aid in the pedigree of this coin, especially two light abrasions on the outer portions of star 9. All in all, this is a pleasant example of this much coveted design type.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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