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956

1797 50C XF45 PCGS. O-101a, High R.4. The 3,918-piece

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:110,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1797 50C XF45 PCGS. O-101a, High R.4. The 3,918-piece
<B>1797 50C XF45 PCGS.</B></I> O-101a, High R.4. The 3,918-piece mintage of the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar, bearing the dates 1796-1797, ranks fourth in terms of reported mintage of early (18th and 19th century) United States type coins. Only the one-year-type 1796 Capped Bust, No Stars quarter eagle, the Gobrecht dollar, and the one-year-type 1808 quarter eagle have lower mintages. With respect to value, the 1796-1797 half outpaces all other silver type denominations. Indeed, a case might be made for it being the most valuable of <I>all</B></I> U.S. type coinage, irrespective of metal content. A perusal of retail price guides in <I>Coinage</B></I> and <I>Coin Values,</B></I> for example, reveals that the 1796-1797 half dollar is the most highly valued type coin in virtually all grades. Only the 1796 No Stars quarter eagle occasionally displays an equal or slightly higher value in Mint State 60. The <I>Coin Dealer Newsletter (Grey Sheet)</B></I> dealer-to-dealer bid value for the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar is the highest of all type coins in all grades.<BR><BR> Mint Records show that 1796-1797 half dollars were coined from ingots deposited by the Bank of the United States. Three deliveries were made to the Bank: 60 coins delivered February 28, 1797 per Warrant Number 81, 874 coins on March 21, 1797 under Warrant Number 84, and 2,984 coins on May 26, 1797 per Warrant Number 90. Relatively few of these coins have survived the ravages of time.<BR><BR> This Choice XF specimen displays delicate bluish-gray and mauve toning that tends to somewhat deeper in hue in the fields, thereby highlighting the design features. Sharp detail is apparent in most of Liberty's hair and on the eagle's wing feathers, and the dentilation is quite strong. Both sides are remarkably clean, and no adjustment marks are evident. As is characteristic of the Overton-101a variety, a thin die crack travels from the rim through star 2 to the hair curl, and several light cracks occur on the reverse. This choice example should generate spirited bidding, as it will prove to be an excellent fit in any type set.<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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