Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Early Half Dollars
1796 50C 16 Stars, O-102, T-2, High R.5, Fine 12 PCGS. Amato-227a. Unlike the other three varieties of the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar, the 1796 Overton-102 shows 16 obverse stars instead of 15. The 16 stars variety commemorated Tennessee's June 1, 1796 admission to the Union as the 16th state. While Mint records indicate that all Draped Bust Small Eagle halves were delivered in February, March, and May 1797, contemporary evidence such as the August 25, 1794 editorial in the Knoxville Gazette calling for statehood and the 1795 results of the census enumeration required for statehood admission suggests that the 16 stars obverse die was likely engraved several months prior to Tennessee's June 1, 1796 admission. Breen (1988) theorizes that the 16 stars coins were included in the March and May deliveries, following the 1796 15 star-pieces delivered in February and March.
The present 1796 16 Stars example represents a late die state, evidenced by the die crack extending from the rim through the first four stars then out to the milling. Contrary to previous literature claiming that this crack is seen on most 16-Star pieces, our ongoing research on the Draped Bust Small Eagle series indicates that only about 35 percent of the known 16-Star examples possess this crack. The current specimen is therefore desirable for the variety/die state specialist as well as the type collector.
Attractive medium gray patina is deeper surrounding the devices on both sides of this Fine 12 example, offering modest contrast with the motifs. Liberty's hair displays a generous amount of detail, as do the ear, eye, eyebrow, and drapery folds. In fact, the obverse may lay claims to Very Fine classification. About one-third of the feather detail is visible on the eagle's wings that are completely separated from the torso. The surfaces on each side are devoid of significant marks, and no adjustment marks are apparent. A minuscule mark midway between Liberty's ear and neck curl and one between the right (facing) wing tip and inner-middle palm leaf are mentioned solely for identification purposes.
Ex: Baltimore Auction (Stack's Bowers, 11/2012), lot 3138.
1796 50C 16 Stars, O-102, T-2, High R.5, Fine 12 PCGS. Amato-227a. Unlike the other three varieties of the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar, the 1796 Overton-102 shows 16 obverse stars instead of 15. The 16 stars variety commemorated Tennessee's June 1, 1796 admission to the Union as the 16th state. While Mint records indicate that all Draped Bust Small Eagle halves were delivered in February, March, and May 1797, contemporary evidence such as the August 25, 1794 editorial in the Knoxville Gazette calling for statehood and the 1795 results of the census enumeration required for statehood admission suggests that the 16 stars obverse die was likely engraved several months prior to Tennessee's June 1, 1796 admission. Breen (1988) theorizes that the 16 stars coins were included in the March and May deliveries, following the 1796 15 star-pieces delivered in February and March.
The present 1796 16 Stars example represents a late die state, evidenced by the die crack extending from the rim through the first four stars then out to the milling. Contrary to previous literature claiming that this crack is seen on most 16-Star pieces, our ongoing research on the Draped Bust Small Eagle series indicates that only about 35 percent of the known 16-Star examples possess this crack. The current specimen is therefore desirable for the variety/die state specialist as well as the type collector.
Attractive medium gray patina is deeper surrounding the devices on both sides of this Fine 12 example, offering modest contrast with the motifs. Liberty's hair displays a generous amount of detail, as do the ear, eye, eyebrow, and drapery folds. In fact, the obverse may lay claims to Very Fine classification. About one-third of the feather detail is visible on the eagle's wings that are completely separated from the torso. The surfaces on each side are devoid of significant marks, and no adjustment marks are apparent. A minuscule mark midway between Liberty's ear and neck curl and one between the right (facing) wing tip and inner-middle palm leaf are mentioned solely for identification purposes.
Ex: Baltimore Auction (Stack's Bowers, 11/2012), lot 3138.