1797 H10C LM-1 MS(PCGS#38597)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2270

Grade

XF40

Price

5,040

Lot Description

A generally pewter gray example that displays a few blushes of warmer steely-olive on the reverse. Much of the finer detail is missing, especially on the eagle, but all major features are boldly outlined and the overall design is fully appreciable. Most readily obtainable of the four known die marriages of the 1797 Draped Bust half dime, LM-1 is the only 15 Stars variety for the issue. The obverse die was certainly created before the admission of Tennessee to the Union as the 16th state during the summer of 1796. Given the scarcity of all early U.S. Mint silver coins with original, problem free surfaces, this coin will appeal to both advanced type collectors and specialists in Draped Bust silver.