Lot 1035
1796. "LIKERTY". PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned and boldly struck. No, that's not strong enough, this coin is struck like a medal, with full separation on Liberty's hair, each and every strand. Furthermore, the eagle has all his proud breast feathers! How many Draped Bust, Small Eagle coins can offer a breast full of feathers--yeah, about none, they just don't come with more than a few shallow feather outlines. Here the dies were such that somehow the eagle actually has a full chest of proud breast feathers! Considering how thin these tiny half dime planchets are, the coiner must have really swung the arm of the coining press to get the breast feathers this fully struck as both the central obverse and central reverse had to be sharp. A trace of softness is noted on the upper right wreath of the reverse, this area is opposite Liberty's bust, certainly a challenge to get the entire coin sharp with such a small planchet and so much detail to press into the planchet. Excellent surfaces and eye appeal, and free of adjustment marks or any sort of handling issue. An extraordinary and sparkling jewel that will forever be remembered by any numismatist who has searched for a well struck example of the Draped Bust, Small Eagle coinage for a type, date or variety collection. A great looking coin. Only 10,230 struck. Pop 5; 3 finer, 1 in 65, 1 in 67, 1 in 67+. (PCGS # 4254) Value $35,000 - 40,000
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