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Description

1796 C-1, B-1 Half Cent, Fine 12
Ex: Mills Collection

1796 1/2 C No Pole, C-1, B-1, R.6, Fine 12 PCGS. Our research provides a census of 19 surviving 1796 C-1, B-1 No Pole half cents that range from MS67 Red and Brown down to Poor. The census lists four Mint State examples and 15 pieces that grade net Fine or below. Remarkably, there is nothing between those levels although a few problem coins have stronger details. The exact census level is subject to discussion as various observers will provide differing net grades. It is our opinion that this example ranks between fifth and eight finest of known examples.

When we offered this example in 2009, we wrote that it was a new example that had never previously appeared in auction. However, this example is now recognized as the John G. Mills coin that the Chapman brothers auctioned in 1904, grading the coin "Very good for any date." Prior to its appearances in 2009 and 2010, this piece was off the market for several decades.

The slightly glossy surfaces are deeply toned, about the color of a black olive. There is a single old scratch across the hair curls, but it is so well blended with the surrounding surfaces that most collectors will give it little attention. A few old scratches are found at the center of the reverse, with the obverse having an exceptionally clean appearance. This is an exciting opportunity for advanced half cent collectors.
Ex: John G. Mills (S.H. & H. Chapman, 4/1904), lot 1409; later, Collection of a Dallas Gentleman/Long Beach Signature (Heritage #1125, 5/2009), lot 30; later, Stack's (8/2010), lot 189.
From The Hawkeye Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2226, Variety PCGS# 35095, Base PCGS# 1030, Greysheet# 80863)

Weight: 6.74 grams

Metal: 100% Copper


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Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
October
2nd Thursday 12:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
October
2nd-5th Thursday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
20 Days 22h 36m 34s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: 12
Page Views: 96

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This lot is in: 1 - Signature® Premier Floor Session - PREMIER (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3001-3238) - 1:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, October 2, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

Current Bid:
$5
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