1797 H10C 13 Stars MS(PCGS#4260)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4133

Grade

F15

Price

10,200

Lot Description

Certainly the last of the three known obverse dies that the Mint used to strike 1797-dated half dimes, that of the LM-4 variety was produced after the decision was taken to limit the star count on our nation's coinage to 13 in honor of the original states. Prior to that decision being made, the official policy was to add an additional star for each new state that joined the Union. Tennessee's admission in 1796 brought the star count up to 16, the maximum that could be effectively displayed, although even the 16-star dies have a crowded appearance to them. The plan to add further stars was clearly flawed, so Mint personnel defaulted to the 13-star count.<p>Logan-McCloskey 4 is the rarest of the four die marriages of the 1797 Draped Bust half dime. It is also a significant condition rarity given that most survivors are well worn, if not also impaired. With all major design elements bold and the surfaces attractively original in rich pewter gray and olive, this is certainly one of the nicest circulated examples of the variety that we have ever had the privilege of bringing to auction.