1796 50C O-101 MS(PCGS#39261)

The Regency Auction 47

Auctioneer

Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Lot Number

10

Grade

AU58+

Price

258,500

Lot Description

One of the RAREST type coins in the entire pantheon of American numismatics. All Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars are RARE with problem free examples being particularly difficult to find, and high grade examples, such as this borderline Mint State piece, are EXTREMELY RARE. Only 934 were reported struck for both 1796 15 Star and 16 Star varieties combined. About 75-100 examples are known in all grades, most being low grade or with serious flaws, or both! In the earliest days of the U.S. mint, a star would be added to the obverse for each time a new state joined the union. After a number of half dollars with 15 stars were struck, a 16th was added to commemorate the addition of Tennessee. A wonderful example of this extremely rare type coin. Avidly sought and difficult to acquire in any grade, this borderline Mint State 1796 half dollar is particularly impressive. Showing just the slightest touch of high point friction, this exceptional coin retains boldly defined devices, rendered from a well-centered and precision blow from the dies. Struck from the typical state of the obverse die with a pronounced die crack from the rim, into the lower drapery fold at the bust line; it then forks, a branch going to the left stops in the drapery fold above the 6. The crack forks to the right as well, connecting Stars 14-16 and into the rim. Another crack reaches up into the the neck. As seen on many early silver coins, particularly half dollars and dollars, there are some minor planchet adjustment marks. A strong glass will reveal a couple of very minor traces of contact and a light scratch or two on Liberty's chin. Richly toned in pleasing hues of olive-gold, rose, and lilac, these are particularly vibrant when viewed in a light. The eye appeal is wonderful, especially on a classic rarity that rarely comes nice. Ex Jakes Kelly, February 1964, lot 241; Superior's Moreira Collection Sale, Part III, January 1989, lot 4417; E. Horatio Morgan Collection, Stack's Bowers, November 2019, lot 7040; our consignor. Superior's lot tag included. PCGS 1, NGC 0. Just four Mint State pieces have graded finer. This coin brought $228,000 in November 2019 and the current Collectors Universe value is listed at $270,000. The Small Eagle, Draped Bust type is listed as #56 in Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. The present "GEM" AU example is a fabulous coin for type or date purposes for sure! We expect strong bidding for this impressive and beautiful rarity. Cert. Number 37836865 PCGS # 6057.00