5126

1798/97 10C 16 Stars on Reverse MS66 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1798/97 10C 16 Stars on Reverse MS66 NGC.
<B>1798/97<10C> 16 Stars on Reverse MS66 NGC.</B></I> JR-1, R.3. The small 8 in the date is over a much larger 7 underdigit, whose corner protrudes from the top right of the 8. On the reverse, a small die crack runs from star 10 to the eagle's head. Both sides are from late die states. The obverse die shows clashing that was subsequently lapped, then the dies clashed again. The lowest hair curl behind Liberty's head is incomplete, the higher curl that is opposite star 1 is almost entirely absent, the curls atop Liberty's head, beneath ER, are similarly weak, and much of the drapery is incomplete. Bold clash marks are visible: berries and wreath before Liberty's head, a star jutting from the bust just below the neck, clouds through the date. The reverse shows similar heavy clashing, and a curious, small die dot--an apparent die flaw--is seen near the left edge of the rightmost star. A die line travels from the eagle's left (facing) lower tail feather to the rim, another diagnostic of the late die state. In terms of die state, this piece appears quite similar to the AU58 example in this same sale.<BR> The surface preservation of this interesting coin, however, is exemplary, with extremely lustrous, untoned surfaces that show just a glint of champagne and smoke-gray near the rims. Some light adjustment marks are seen on the obverse, near the rim at 3 o'clock. There are <I>no</B></I> visible abrasions, distractions, or signs of post-striking contact of any kind. <I>A search of our auction archives reveals that this is the highest-graded example of this variety we have ever had the privilege to offer,</B></I> although we are privileged to also offer an MS65 in the present sale. In addition, we have offered this variety in Mint State (an MS65 and two MS63s) only three times previously, since we began keeping our auction records more than a dozen years ago.