Exceptional 1796 15 Stars Half Dollar
AU58, O-101, R.5

1796 50C 15 Stars, O-101, R.5 AU58 PCGS. The diagnostic die crack from the rim at 5 o'clock to Liberty's bust, where it then branches out along the drapery, is relatively light on this near-Mint specimen. While the right-branch crack displays a faint connection to star 15, it does not extend to stars 14, 13, and back to the rim at about 3:30, as is seen on most 1796 15 stars half dollars. Moreover, the semi-circular crack on Liberty's neck above the shoulder that is usually visible on high-end VF and above coins is absent. The above indicate that this coin is from an earlier die state. Another faint crack extends from the peak of the A in STATES through the upper parts of TES before terminating in the field at the upper left of O in OF.
Low to medium intensity cobalt-blue patina concentrates at the margins, while whispers of the same color palette join with lavender and orange in the central areas. A well executed strike delivers sharp definition to the design elements, including excellent detail in Liberty's facial features, hair strands, ribbon, and drapery. The eagle's wing and tail plumage is virtually complete, while the torso, neck, and legs reveal the typical softness. Both obverse and reverse exhibit complete dentilation, though it is stronger on the reverse, and the motifs are well centered on each side. Reflective surfaces provide a level of aesthetic desirability seldom encountered, and are completely devoid of adjustment marks. Both sides are remarkably clean, revealing just a handful of minuscule contact marks on Liberty's chest. Two rather spectacular planchet defects occur on the lower reverse. One to the lower left of the fraction extends from the rim through the 2 and middle of the lower right ribbon to the palm branch. The one to the lower right of the fraction travels from the rim into the field where it makes a sharp right turn to end beneath the stem of the laurel branch. These mint-made defects in no way detract from the overall appeal of this marvelous coin, and indeed serve as an excellent identifier.
This near-Mint 1796 15 stars half is a truly exceptional coin that will make a handsome addition to a high-grade type set or a date/variety collection of early half dollars.
Ex: Anderson Dupont Collection, Part II (Stack's, 11/1954), lot 2031; R.L. Miles Collection, Part II (Stack's, 4/1969), lot 1205; Dr. E. Yale Clarke Collection (Stack's, 10/1975), lot 182; Bowers and Ruddy Rare Coin Review, No. 26, Summer 1976.
From the Bayside New York Collection. (#6057)

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