1796 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1. Rarity-3. LIKERTY. VF-35 (PCGS). CAC.With pleasingly original dove-gray patina to smooth-looking surfaces, this is a superior mid grade early half dime irrespective of date or die pairing. Tinges of olive and pale golden-blue are also discernible as the coin rotates under a light, adding further eye appeal. Boldly defined for the major design elements. 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. While not as rare as LM-2, LM-1 is scarce in its own right with most survivors heavily worn, if not also impaired. Clearly, there is much to recommend this PQ example to the discerning type collector or Bust half dime enthusiast.PCGS# 4254. NGC ID: 22ZW.CAC Population (LIKERTY attribution only): 16 in all grades.From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
