Lot 3023
1796. Large date, small letters. NGC graded AU-55. Light gold and grey toning. Well struck with some luster evident. A glistening golden gray example with a luxurious display of bright smooth surface, pale gray toning both sides. Nicely struck by the dies, indeed much more fully so than an just about any other small eagle variety in the series, 1795-98, so at eagle's breast and head we see outstanding detail, plus full raised stars and hair curls on the obverse acting to enhance the beauty all the more. The "large" size of the date is not immediately obvious, but upon study, the digits are indeed slightly larger, and are in the numeral size used the following year, 1797. The 6 in date plainly shows it was double punched; this is visible at the underside of the top of the 6 and the upper inside of the bottom loop. Stars at right are very closely spaced and touch or nearly touch their neighboring stars. Highest wave of hair is below upright of E and is very indistinct, probably due to very light relapping.
As the numerals bear a close relationship to those used in 1797, this obverse die was probably the final die cut in the 1796 year. Further, the lower right tip of R in LIBERTY is broken; the latest state of any of the four 1796 obverses. Obverse die used to strike 1796 BB-65 only. REVERSE D: Small letters. Leaf under A of STATES. Seven large berries in wreath, and a very small 8th berry is made to show on inside stem of lowest sprig of leaves on left. Pop 16; 11 finer.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
|
| |
| Realized $23,000 |
