Lot 914
1796 $2.50 Capped Bust. No stars on obverse. PCGS graded AU-55. A stellar example of this first year and type of issue, struck during the Winter months of 1796. We note decent luster in the fields, and there are some trivial adjustment marks on the obverse rim, mostly on the right side, but a few are present in her hair. Unusually well struck for the issue, with a full E on LIBERTY, which is often weak as that letter is located just behind the eagle's broad and deeply engraved tail. A similar situation occurred on 1805 quarters, where the similar design produced a notoriously weak E or R on LIBERTY. This one is sharply struck, as stated, with excellent details on Liberty's curls, and the reverse is totally sharp and without a sign of weakness. Identifiable by a small pit in the right obverse field, midway between Liberty's neck and the rim and a thin scratch from the back of Liberty's head to the rim left of the L. Toned a rich light gold color on both sides. Philadelphia Mint records indicated a grand total of 963 of these were produced before the stars were added to the obverse. Naturally, few survive in top grades, and this one is certainly a memorable offering. PCGS has graded 21 this high, with 27 a notch higher in AU-58, then the numbers fall off the map, with just 3 graded as MS-61, 1 in MS-62 and a sole MS-65 sitting atop the grading mountain all by itself. A crowning achievement for a collector to obtain, and worthy of the finest collection in the land.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
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| Realized $58,650 |
