1796 1/2 C With Pole, C-2, B-2, High R.4, VF20 PCGS....

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1796 C-2 Half Cent, VF20
With Pole to Cap
Important Mid-Grade Example

1796 1/2 C With Pole, C-2, B-2, High R.4, VF20 PCGS. The surviving 1796 With Pole half cent population is about 115 coins from a mintage estimated at less than 1,200 pieces. In addition, about two dozen 1796 No Pole half cents are known. The actual mintage of most 18th century U.S. coins is unknown, as many were struck after the date shown on the coins. Dies remained in use as long as they were serviceable, and in some cases even after they should have been retired. However, most researchers agree that the recorded mintage of half cents in 1796, just 1,390 coins, reflects the true production of coins bearing that date. The actual mintage for each of the two varieties, No Pole and With Pole, is unknown, but was likely about 10 times the number known today, or about 240 No Pole pieces and 1,150 With Pole half cents.

Both varieties of 1796 half cents are rare in the middle range of circulated grades. A few of each survive in Mint State, while most others grade no better than VG. Any piece that falls between those extremes enjoys substantial collector demand. The present piece is the only example that PCGS has certified VF20, with only two other VF coins, both graded VF30 (2/25).

This splendid half cent exhibits myriad handling marks on both sides as expected. The surfaces are light olive-tan, with delicate blue and violet overtones. A trivial rim bump is evident at the bottom of the obverse. Listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.
Ex: The Rocky Mountain Collection/Philadelphia Signature (Heritage, 8/2012), lot 5012.
From The Bruce S. Sherman Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2227, Variety PCGS# 35098, Base PCGS# 1027, Greysheet# 80864)

Weight: 6.74 grams

Metal: 100% Copper

View all of [The Bruce S. Sherman Collection, Part II ]

View Certification Details from PCGS