USA (Philadelphia Mint), Draped Bust dollar, 1796, small date, large letters, NGC VF 30.Bolender-4; Bowers-Borckardt-61 (R.3).Struck during the presidency of George Washington, this silver dollar saw a fair amount of circulation across the early years of the United States before being saved. Liberty's hair curls and face retain significant definition and even some luster, while the date is similarly quite sharp. The only notable marks are a pair of small bumps on the obverse rim at 2 o'clock. On the reverse, the eagle is rather flat due in equal measures to circulation rub and design / strike weakness when compared to the bold peripheral wreath and legend. A slight off-center strike on both sides (as is typical for the type) accounts for protracted denticles along the left border steadily decreasing in length when progressing towards the right and, on the obverse, ending up completely off the planchet. The stony gray silver surfaces still possess a good deal of mint luster, particularly along the reverse wreath.
($2500-3750)