1796 1/2 C With Pole Fine 15 PCGS....

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Important Key Date 1796 With Pole Half Cent
Fine 15, C-2, B-2

1796 1/2 C With Pole Fine 15 PCGS. C-2, B-2, R.4. Among the business strike half cents from 1793 to 1857, the 1796 is the rarest and most coveted date, and clearly the key issue of the entire series. A mere 1,390 pieces were originally struck, and they were divided between the so-called With Pole and No Pole types; in reference to the large, mint-made 'Pole' that extends from around 5 o'clock on the obverse rim to the base of Liberty's throat. The majority of known survivors are of the current, With Pole variety, but that only includes an estimated 120 coins. Of that number, it seems likely that fewer than 20 percent exist in grades finer than VG. Indeed, exactly 24 specimens have been certified in Fine or better condition, at NGC and PCGS combined, as of (6/08); including any possible resubmissions.
The current example was produced on a better-than-average planchet, with no obvious surface flaws or adjustment marks. Slight porosity is noted, which results in faintly granular surface textures over both obverse and reverse. Even grayish-brown toning covers each side, and there are no severe abrasions. A handful of small, shallow marks are clustered near HALF CENT on the center of the reverse. Most of the design details are still readily evident, except for LF and NT in HALF CENT, and some nearby leaf tips. The piece was struck just slightly off-center, and approximately 40 percent of the dentils are missing, between roughly 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock on both sides. The bottoms of 9 and 6 are also missing, as struck. An attractive and important example of this key issue. EAC 10. Population: 2 in 15, 14 finer (6/08).
From The Jerry Kochel Collection.(Registry values: P9)

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

Weight: 6.74 grams

Metal: 100% Copper

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