Lot 1445
1797. NGC graded AU-55. O-101a, Rarity-5. 15 Stars. This is a very attractive silver gray and steel blue toned with the classic look of "old silver". The strike is exceedingly sharp, including Liberty's lovelock before her ear, a feature that wears away quickly after limited circulation. Thus this is a testament to the high grade of the presnt offering. Furthermore, Liberty's drapery shows full separation right onto Liberty's shoulder. On even the highest grade specimens of 1797 and 1796 half dollars, this feature rarely shows., whereas on the present specimen these drapery lines are sharp and clearly separated. Also the eagle's eye is clear when studied. Nicely toned on both sides. Important silver type coin. Pop 1; 6 finer.
The key date Bust half dollar and the rarest half dollar Type in the entire U.S. series. The Mint's Draped Bust was combined with the Small Eagle reverse only in 1796-7 before the Heraldic Eagle reverse was adopted (dimes in 1798, half dollars in 1801 when next produced). There were no half dollars struck from 1798 to 1800. The tiny mintage tells the story once more since the total struck has been recorded as 2,984 pieces.
Extensive die cracks on the reverse. In addition to the small crack from the edge through O of OF, a new crack develops from the edge between DS and across the left wing. Another from the edge through the first T in STATES to eagle's head and in its final states (as here) becomes a mass of die cracks. Interesting and educational to the student of die progression. Amato coin serial # 410. Estimate Value $100,000 - 115,000
Ex: Dr. Clifford E. Smith and Son Collection (Stack's, May 1955), About Uncirculated, Lot 1017 $900; R. L. Miles, Jr., Collection (Stack's, April 1969), Extremely Fine, Lot 1207, $4,000; Worrell Collection (Superior Galleries, September, 1993), PCGS XF40, Lot 637, $31,900; Superior Galleries (January, 1994), PCGS XF40, lot 1438, $31,350; Superior Galleries (September, 1998), NGC AU55, Lot 330, unsold; North American Certified Trading FPL (May, 2002), PCGS AU55; John Hamrick Coins FPL (December 2002, NGC AU55.
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