Lot 720
1796 Bust 50C. 16 Stars ICG VG10. ICG graded VG-10. Even grey toning. There are only 58 examples of the 16 star obverse 1796 half dollar noted in Jon Amato's reference work The Draped Bust Half Dollars of 1796 - 1797. This coin is not pictured among them but is likely either a new discovery or one of those noted appeances in the past without a photograph. What is apparent is the surfaces show scattered marks including a scratch extending from the upper part of Liberty's neck down toward the last star. All of Liberty's head is sharp and some curl definition survive. The dentils are complete and bold save for the area above the word LIBERTY, where they are weak. On the revese the legend is full and complete, as well as the fraction below the wreath and the dentils are solid save for a few above UNITED and below the fraction. The eagle is sharp although the right wing (facing) is diagnostically soft.
This is one of the rarest and most challenging type coins to find in any grade, and these have been highly sought after for generations. The Draped Bust, Small Eagle design is elegant and historic. This offering certainly presents an opportunity to secure this prized issue for at least one numismatist who becomes the lucky winning bidder. Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000
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| Realized $41,125 |
