1796/5 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-2. Rarity-6. MS-66 (PCGS). This outstanding Gem was called "perhaps finest known" by Heritage, perhaps conservatively as it is the single finest coin to be certified by PCGS. The coin was described:

This spectacular coin is uncommonly well brought up in the centers. The mint luster is bright, and the reverse field displays a semi-reflective gleam. A few shallow horizontal adjustment marks are seen in the center of the obverse. The only marks of any note on either side are a couple of light abrasions in the lower right obverse field. The obverse shows light rose-colored patina, while the reverse is mostly pale lilac with rose-golden accents around the margins.

In 1795 this die was prepared with the Draped Bust obverse, new that year and otherwise used only on two silver dollar dies, BB-71 and 72. In 1796 the Draped Bust design became widely used for the first time on the cent, half dime, dime, quarter, half dollar and dollar.

In a way the 1796/5 coin is a 1795 half dime. The under digit 5 is sharp and clear beneath the 6.

This variety has not been widely publicized, and in our opinion is one of the most interesting, most significant of all American silver coins of its decade. We estimate that perhaps 40 to 50 examples exist overall. The Pogue Collection Gem is indeed a rarity in terms of grade.

Provenance: Essex Palm Collection; Heritage FUN Convention Sale, January 2007, lot 842; Madison Collection; Heritage FUN Convention Sale, January 2008, lot 2743.

Rarities Auction Accompanying the D. Brent Pogue Collection

Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be hosting an exclusive Rarities Auction, held in conjunction with The D. Brent Pogue Collection. We will be accepting limited consignments of United States and world coins and paper money, featured in a spectacular catalog reserved for the rarest of the rare. Special terms will apply. If you are interested in participating in this unique opportunity, please call 949-748-4849 or email us at [email protected].

Alternatively, you can fill out our online consignment form. Click here to view the form.