Lot 1602
1796 Draped Bust Half Dime. "LIKERTY" error. PCGS graded MS-61 PQ. Semi PL surfaces, Lovely golden toning that deepens to full russet brown in a lovely wood-grain effect. There is even some steel iridescence along the border in one area. Given the proper amount of strike pressure, the coin was fully brought up by the dies in the hair curls, the lovelock curl, and Liberty's drapery folds. Indeed, one would be hard-pressed to find a sharper example in this grade classification! PCGS reports just 14 in all grades. Pop 1 with 1 in MS-62, 2 in MS-63 and 1 in MS-64.
The design for the 1796-97 Draped Bust, Small Eagle coinage was adopted by famed portraitist Gilbert Stuart, who employed Ann Willing for his model of Liberty, said at the time to be the most beautiful women in Philadelphia. On the reverse, the rendition of the eagle was also well received, with the outstretched wings and delicate wreath surrounding. Breaks at the top and bottom curves of the B in LIBERTY give this Valentine-1 variety its distinctive nickname (PCGS # 94254) .
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
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| Realized $43,700 |
