1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar. Small Eagle. O-102, T-2. Rarity-5+. 15 Stars. Fine-12 (PCGS). An attractive and original example of this legendary rarity from the early US Mint. Pale dove grey coloration of the devices contrasts handsomely with the deeper slate and violet hues in the fields. The central elements remain nicely bold, showing strong detail to Libertys lower curls and the eagles feathers on the reverse. A hint of softness to the right obverse stars is typical of these dies, and the borders are left otherwise bold. The surfaces are free from any distracting abrasions, showing just minor hairlines in the fields under magnification. Desirable and undoubtedly choice for the assigned grade. Acquired from Sheridan Downey in the early 1980s, this piece had been held privately in an old collection and was not included in the original publication of Jon Amatos 2012 reference <em>The Draped Bust Half Dollars of 1796-1797</em>. It has since been added to the addendum and assigned the number of Amato-#528a. The incestuous die marriages and somewhat ambiguous Mint records pertaining to the 1797 half dollar will forever leave its true rarity in question. The present piece represents an exciting opportunity to become part of that enchanting mystery. Ex Sheridan Downey, purchased in the early 1980s; Legends sale of December 2015, lot 218.
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