1797 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1. Rarity-3. 15 Stars. MS-67 (PCGS). In his catalog of the Pittman Collection David W. Akers suggested that this coin might be tied with the Eliasberg specimen as the finest known. Further: "Gem Uncirculated, a magnificent specimen … It is completely original with light russet and gold toning highlighted with shades of pale blue-green." The coin is well-centered. Here and there it exhibits some lightness as is characteristic of all known specimens.
When Superior Galleries headlined this coin in its Pre-Long Beach Sale of February 1999 it was titled "The finest known 1797 half dime."
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The 1797 half dimes with several variations in star arrangements have been numismatic favorites for a long time. Most are seen well worn. When Mint State coins are found they are nearly always in grades far below this elegant specimen.
Here is another coin for the ages, a wondrous specimen! Provenance: From Numismatic Gallery’s (Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg) sale of the Adolphe Menjou Collection (mostly Charles M. Williams Collection coins), lot 91; David W. Akers’ sale of the John J. Pittman Collection, October 1997, lot 426; Superior Galleries Pre-Long Beach Sale, of February 1999, lot 552. |