1796 1/2 C With Pole AU55 PCGS....

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Spectacular 1796 C-2, B-2 Half Cent, AU55

1796 1/2 C With Pole AU55 PCGS. C-2, B-2, High R.4. Breen State I. Manley State 1.0. EAC 45. An early die state with repunching of the 9 clear. The existing population of 1796 half cents is too small to clearly establish distinct die states or a suitable emission sequence.
The 1796 half cent is the classic rarity of the denomination from a mintage of just 1,390 coins. Perhaps 10% of those coins still exist today, nearly all in very low grades. We estimate the existence of about 25 No Pole coins and perhaps 120 With Pole coins.
Certain issues, such as the 1796 half cent and the 1901-S quarter, are known in high grade and low grade, but virtually unknown between these extremes. Nearly all known 1796 half cents, of both varieties, exist in Mint State and also below Fine. Those that grade VF, XF, and AU, such as this piece, are extremely rare.
Walter Breen described two subvarieties for the With Pole pieces, struck on rolled copper planchets or on spoiled cents. His spoiled cent subvariety, like the thick planchet 1795 coins, should weigh at least 100 grains, compared to the 84 grain standard for the issue. To date, we are only aware of a single thick planchet piece, discussed in Breen's Half Cent Encyclopedia.
This lovely example has reflective fields on both sides, with excellent luster. Aside from the usual minor abrasions resulting from brief circulation, the surfaces are exceptional. Slight weakness is evident at the center of the reverse, but all other design elements are bold.
Ex: Julian Leidman; Jim McGuigan; Benson Collection Sale (Goldberg Coins, 2/2002), lot 32; Stuart Levine (2/2002).
From The Colonel Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Half Cents.(Registry values: P9)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 1027, Greysheet# 447)

Weight: 6.74 grams

Metal: 100% Copper

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