1796 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1. Rarity-3. LIKERTY. MS-63 (NGC).A condition rarity in any Mint State grade, this choice 1796 half dime displays virtually brilliant surfaces that have defied time and toning to stay very bright and fresh. Only at the extreme peripheries will one glimpse faint champagne-pink iridescence, and then again only with the aid of a strong light. Boldly struck throughout, absolutely incredible definition on Libertys hair is actually topped by the fine feather detail on the eagle, including every single one of its fine breast feathers - a feast for the eyes as these feathers are seldom seen on coins struck from any small eagle die. Early die state with the reverse rotated approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise from normal coin alignment. One of the top 20 to survive of this issue (all die marriages combined), and a prize worthy of the most advanced collection.<p>The popular 1796 is the first of only two half dime years that feature the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design type. Two die marriages are known, with Logan-McCloskey 1, represented here, corresponding to the LIKERTY <em>Guide Book</em> variety. This name is derived from the use of a broken B punch that gives that letter the appearance of a K.PCGS# 38596. NGC ID: 22ZX.NGC Census (LM-1 attribution only): 2; 2 finer (both MS-64).
