Pre-Long Beach US - page 176

172 |
Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 amCONDITION CENSUS 1797 DRAPED BUST HALF DIME WITH 15 STARS
Enlargement
1142 1797. 15 stars. V-2, LM-1, Rarity 3. . NGC graded MS-66. The 15 Stars was the first of three types to be produced in 1797; next came
the 16 Stars, and last was to the 13 Stars variant. The 15 Stars variety features 8 stars left and 7 stars right with two inner berries and one
outer berry on the reverse wreath. This represents the most plentiful die marriage of the 1797 half dime. That is fortunate as this example
represents one of the finest known for the die pairing, and it is also high in the Condition Census for the issue as a whole. A satiny, silky-
smooth coin, both sides are virtually devoid of abrasions and other grade-limiting blemishes. The strike is typical of the die marriage, the cen-
ters quite blunt but the detail sharpening considerably toward the rims. The obverse is ringed in deep brick-red peripheral toning, the reverse
is more evenly patinated in similar but lighter toning.
We know of few other 1797 15 Stars half dimes that are as technically sound as this coin. The Census data for this lot bears some explana-
tion. There are three other MS-66 specimens graded as such at NGC; two LM-1, 1 LM-2, and one not designated making it impossible to
determine if that coin is also an example of the LM-1 die marriage. Regardless, this one ranks near the top of the Condition Census and
should be carefully considered by the enterprising numismatist. Pop 4; none finer at NGC.
Estimated Value ........................................................................................................................................................... $80,000 - 90,000
1797 DRAPED B UST HALF D IME. 15 STARS
Enlargement
1143 1797. 15 Stars, V-2, LM-1, Rarity 3.. PCGS graded
EF-45 PQ. CAC APPROVED. From a mintage of 44,527
pieces, a figure that includes the 13 Stars and 16 Stars vari-
eties of the date as well. Three die pairings were used, one
for each stars variety. Steel gray toning overall with con-
trasting charcoal accents in selected recesses of the design.
One tiny mark is mentioned from Liberty's forehead to the
base of the Y of LIBERTY. Struck from clashed dies, as
usual, the evidence plainest on the reverse. Choice for the
grade both physically and aesthetically, and almost certain
to find its way to a world-class cabinet of early U.S. coins.
Pop 13; 46 finer. (PCGS # 4258)
Estimated Value ........................................ $6,500 - 7,000
Ex: The Agora Collection.
1144 1800. "LIBEKTY" Error. V-2, LM-3, Rarity 4.. NGC graded
Fine Details, Damaged, Bent. Listed for years in the Guide
Book as a separate issue of 1800 and highly collectible as such
by both date, variety and major type collectors as well. The flan
is slightly bent and a number of small indentations are seen on
each side. Steel-gray color with charcoal accents in certain
recesses.
Estimated Value ................................................... $750 - 800