Heritage Auctions Search

Skip to main content

Go to accessibility options

1797 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. O-101a, High R.4. The appearance of a 1796-1797 Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar at auction, even those that display impairments, is always the cause of excitement. This is because its two-year-type status makes it necessary for the completion of a type set of United States coinage. Early half dollar specialists attempting to assemble a date and/or variety collection place additional demand on this series. High demand and a paltry mintage of 3,918 pieces, followed by a relatively low survival rate, have all combined to maintain a relatively high value for 1796-1797 half dollars since the dawn of American coin collecting in the 1850s. Published estimates of the number of extant pieces range from about 100 to 300 examples, though recent empirical research has accounted, to date, for about 225 or so coins.

Four varieties of Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars are known. The first 1796 variety (Overton 101) consists of 15 obverse stars. The star number on 1796-dated coins was eventually increased to 16 (Overton-102), apparently to commemorate Tennessee's June 21, 1796 admission to the Union as the 16th state. The two 1797 varieties (Overton-101 and Overton-102), each bearing 15 obverse stars, are differentiated by slight differences in the reverse wreath alignment vis-a-vis the peripheral lettering. The 1797 Overton-101 variety eventually developed extensive spindly die cracks on the reverse, resulting in an Overton-101a die state.

The 1797 AU Details specimen offered in this lot is Overton-101a. Fine hairlines on both sides are well concealed within the bluish-gray toning that is accented by occasional blushes of orange-gold and magenta, particularly on the obverse. The design elements exhibit sharp detail, and are nicely centered on the planchet. A few light obverse adjustment marks are visible. Each side reveals a mark or two that may aid in the pedigree of this coin, especially two light abrasions on the outer p (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 422 | Lot: 957 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $92,000.00
1795 $10 9 Leaves--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. Breen-6831, B. 4-C, Taraszka-3, R.6. The 1795 9 Leaves Ten Dollar is a rare issue that has attracted growing numismatic attention over the past 45 years. Some in the numismatic community believe this variety was not discovered until 1960 when a coin appeared in the New Netherlands "Cicero" Sale. However, it was apparently a known variety to Waldo Newcomer in 1926 who paid $100 for a VF example, well over the then-current price for a 1795 13 Leaves Eagle. The earliest published reference that we could find for the Nine Leaves variety was a coin in Edgar Adams article that he published in the May 1934 issue of Coin Collector's Journal entitled "Early United States Gold Coins: Eagles." However, it appears the variety was more or less forgotten until the 1960 sale.

Designed by Robert Scot, Walter Breen states that 116 pieces were struck on March 30, 1796, and an unknown (but presumably small) number had also been struck on March 1, 1796 on Warrant No. 58, which had a total mintage of 1,169 pieces. Robert Hilt believes that the Nine Leaves comprised a portion (he estimated 210 pieces) struck on Warrant No. 66 of June 21, 1796. According to Neil Berman and Silvano DiGenova, as published in the 11/2005 CDN Monthly, "There are 21 examples reported certified in all grades, which is undoubtedly many of the same coins being resubmitted to the grading services. I doubt there are even the fifteen [pieces] that Dannreuther seems to think survived." As such, it is the rarest Guide Book type among all early Tens, barely surpassing the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars.

When examining this piece, a ragged V-shaped die crack is seen below the leaves and another irregular break is seen through the first T in STATES. These are apparently common to most, if not all Nine Leaves coins, and their presence, which is less obvious on this piece than most examples seen by this cataloger (JRJ), indicates an early failure of the reverse die. This is (PCGS# 8552)
Auction 394 | Lot: 3520 | Jan 7, 2006

Sold For: $74,750.00
1794 $1 B-1, BB-1, R.4--Environmental Damage--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 39972)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 3922 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $74,750.00
1794 $1 B-1, BB-1, R.4 -- Obverse Repaired -- NCS. XF Details. (PCGS# 39972)
Auction 1238 | Lot: 4151 | Aug 14, 2016

Sold For: $64,625.00
1797 50C -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. O-101a, High R.4. Amato-408. (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 1188 | Lot: 5631 | Aug 10, 2013

Sold For: $64,625.00
1802 10C AU Details, Scratched NCS. (PCGS# 4472)
Auction 1114 | Lot: 1429 | Aug 3, 2008

Sold For: $63,250.00
1851 $50 LE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. 50 Rev.--Obverse Damage--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 10199)
Auction 1124 | Lot: 2795 | May 3, 2009

Sold For: $63,250.00
1878-S 50C -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. WB-101, Die Pair 1. (PCGS# 6360)
Auction 1208 | Lot: 5585 | Aug 9, 2014

Sold For: $58,750.00
1878-S 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. A legendary rarity in the Seated half series. The mintage was a mere 12,000 pieces, all struck before the mint's equipment was pressed into full time service producing Morgan dollars. As a result, surviving examples of the half dollars are very rare. According to our records, only 33 specimens have been offered in public sales during the past 30 some years. This specimen displays sharp design detail. The surfaces are bright and finely hairlined, and are retoning aqua marine in isolated areas, particularly along the borders. We also note a horizontal pinscratch across Liberty's midsection between her two arms. (PCGS# 6360)
Auction 390 | Lot: 21386 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $58,075.00
1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4 -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 45515)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 4659 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $52,800.00
1930-S $20 -- Polished, Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 9191)
Auction 1299 | Lot: 5094 | Sep 6, 2019

Sold For: $50,400.00
1839 50C Small Letters--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. JR-1, R.7. The talons curve are tightly curved, and lines 2 and 3 of stripe 1 extend to the 3rd crossbar, others to the 2nd. In his Variety Identification Manual for U.S. Reeded Edge Half Dollars, Reiver indicates that "this may be the same reverse die used on Pattern Judd 95." Judd 95 is the famous backwards Liberty, with a crowned head of Liberty facing to the right. Judging from illustrations, the reverse appears to be either the same die, or at least a die from the same hub. Examination of both issues, side-by-side, would probably be necessary to make an exact determination. This specimen displays semi-bright bluish-gray surfaces that are finely hairlined. A decent coin despite the cleaning.

This is an exceptional rarity among the Reeded Edge half dollars, and is one of few varieties listed individually in Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia. It is easily identified, not only for the different sized letters, but also there relative position, distant from the border. While there may be more examples known today in 2006, at the time his reference was published, Breen only knew of two or three examples. At the time, he specifically discussed three coins:

1. First Coinvestor's, Inc.; Julian Leidman. EF. The Discovery Coin.

2. Julian Leidman; Stanley Scott: 387; Harte: 2650; 1981 GENA: 1133; Kagin's 333rd Sale: 1686. VF, reverse rim dent.

3. Delaware private collection. EF. This is the specimen being offered here.

Walter Breen gave the credit for this discovery to Maurice Rosen, circa September 1972, although he suggested that Beistle may have seen the variety nearly half a century earlier. Currently, Steve Herrman has suggested that perhaps as many as five or six examples are known, but he has not further auction listings for any examples since the 1984 Kagin's sale.

Around 1980, Julian Leidman discovered the Reiver Collection specimen among coins that Jules al (PCGS# 6180)
Auction 390 | Lot: 23442 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $48,875.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8551)
Auction 1116 | Lot: 3816 | Sep 21, 2008

Sold For: $46,000.00
1795 $5 BD-1, R.5 -- Reverse Repaired -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8066)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 3964 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $43,200.00
1861 $20 Clark, Gruber & Co. Twenty Dollar AU50 Details, Rim Filed, NCS. K-8, R.5. A boldly struck coin that shows very little wear and excellent surfaces. It is difficult to tell just where the rim was filed in the holder. Identifiable by a very minor nick on Liberty's chin, just below her mouth. Both the obverse and reverse die show minor clashing. Examination will note some minor surface lines but traces of luster reside in the protected areas. Rich orange-gold in color and appealing.

After the trouble seen in California, these Colorado minters were very careful to make sure their coins were not debased in any way, and in fact made the planchets contain about one percent of additional gold so they would not be accused of dishonesty or debasement. Coinage continued into 1862 using the 1861 dies, but pressure came from Washington to stop the private coinage, and soon whatever gold dust came into their offices was turned into gold bars, all of which seem to have been shipped off for coining by other world mints as none are known to survive.

Dies for this issue were very similar to the Federal design double eagles of the period. Philadelphia jeweler Bailey & Company prepared the dies for this issue. Specific characteristics include a boldly repunched N in TWENTY and a blundered V in DENVER, punched over a previous N. Listed on page 310 of the 2005 Guide Book.
From The Great Western Collection of Territorial Gold. (PCGS# 10142)
Auction 382 | Lot: 10452 | Jul 30, 2005

Sold For: $43,125.00
(1615-16) 6PENCE Sommer Islands Sixpence, Large Portholes--Bent, Corroded--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 5)
Auction 1108 | Lot: 1818 | Jun 2, 2008

Sold For: $43,125.00
1921 $20 --Damaged--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 9172)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3380 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $43,125.00
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4--Repaired--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 11020)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 1502 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $41,687.50
1795 $10 9 Leaves AU Details, Burnished, NCS. Breen-6831, B. 4-C, Taraszka-3, R.6. Only 116 pieces are theorized by Breen to have been struck of this rare variety, all in March of 1796. The extreme rarity of the 1795 Nine Leaves can best be understood when one views the reverse of this coin. A ragged V-shaped die crack is seen below the leaves and another irregular break is seen through the first T in STATES. These are apparently common to most, if not all Nine Leaves coins, and their presence, which is less obvious on this piece than most examples seen by this cataloger, indicates early failure of the reverse die. Clusters of tiny digs and scratches are seen on the obverse, mostly at 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock, although a few others are noticed to the right of the date. (PCGS# 8552)
Auction 372 | Lot: 8744 | May 7, 2005

Sold For: $40,250.00
1819 $5 Normal Dies -- Plugged, Whizzed -- NCS Details. AU. BD-3, Unique. (PCGS# 8123)
Auction 1208 | Lot: 5648 | Aug 9, 2014

Sold For: $38,187.50
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 7452)
Auction 446 | Lot: 2226 | Sep 28, 2007

Sold For: $37,375.00
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Round--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details.... (PCGS# 7451)
Auction 370 | Lot: 61399 | Nov 30, 2007

Sold For: $37,375.00
1796 50C 16 Stars Fine Details, Improperly Cleaned, NCS. O-102, R.6. Archival data concerning the production of Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars is sketchy, but we do know that they were delivered only in 1797 from three obverse and two reverse dies. Two of these obverse dies bore the date 1796, the first with 15 stars around the periphery and the second with 16 stars. The 1797-dated obverse die also displayed 15 stars. It seems likely that the two 15-star dies were engraved either partly or in their entirety before the admission of Tennessee as the sixteenth state on June 1, 1796. Therefore, the 16-star die was probably prepared after that date. Since the Mint concentrated its efforts on other denominations in 1797, only 3,918 half dollars were delivered. Relatively few of the 1796-1797 design type are thought to have survived, probably less than 300 specimens according to published estimates. Our own research on this series has accounted for, thus far, about 220 different examples. It is no wonder then, that even pieces with minor problems, such as the one we offer in this lot, are in great demand by collectors attempting to complete a type set of United States coinage. Medium gray color at the margins grades into lighter shades toward the centers, beneath which fine hairlines are evident. The motifs reveal nice remaining detail, with many of Liberty's middle and lower hair strands and curls, and some of the eagle's wing feathers, showing. The design elements are well centered on the planchet, and most of the dentilation shows. A few minor adjustment marks are apparent in the hair beneath Liberty's ear, and there are also a few light, shallow pinscratches scattered about, though none are detracting. All in all, this piece will fit comfortably into a middle grade type collection. (PCGS# 6058)
Auction 360 | Lot: 30213 | Jan 15, 2005

Sold For: $36,800.00
1808 $2 1/2 --Reverse Planchet Flaw, Reverse Scratched--NCS. AU Details. Breen-6125, BD-1, R.4. Gold type collectors are wel... (PCGS# 7660)
Auction 434 | Lot: 2215 | May 10, 2007

Sold For: $34,500.00
1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous.--Reverse Graffiti--AU Details NCS. K-4, R.5. This is a large format slug with the denomination expressed simply as 50 at the center of the reverse. The rich greenish-gold surfaces have a few light abrasions, yet retain considerable eye appeal, especially with its pale rose toning. The reverse graffiti is composed of a few light scratches, nearly random in nature. Listed on page 296 of the 2005 Guide Book.
From The Luke Fay Collection. (PCGS# 10214)
Auction 368 | Lot: 7574 | Mar 25, 2005

Sold For: $33,350.00
1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, Reeded Edge, 887 Thous. -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. K-6, R.4. (PCGS# 10214)
Auction 1218 | Lot: 3309 | Feb 26, 2015

Sold For: $32,900.00
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal--Scratched--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 7452)
Auction 1118 | Lot: 1691 | Dec 6, 2008

Sold For: $32,200.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves--Reverse Repaired--NCS. AU Details. B. 1-A, Taraszka-1, R.3. The reverse fields below the eagle's wings doesn't look quite right, as if the coin had been smoothed in that area. Nevertheless, Small Eagle tens are very scarce and always high on collector's want lists. This is a sharply defined example that displays especially strong details on Liberty's hair strands. A few short, shallow adjustment marks are located at the top of the obverse and bottom of the reverse. Generous amounts of original mint luster are still seen around the devices and the coin has an orange-gold coloration.
From The Beverly Hills Collection. (PCGS# 8551)
Auction 366 | Lot: 8717 | Feb 26, 2005

Sold For: $32,200.00
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 7452)
Auction 1169 | Lot: 5393 | Apr 22, 2012

Sold For: $32,200.00
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details (PCGS# 7452)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 4213 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $32,200.00
1796 $10 --Damaged, Whizzed--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8554)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3241 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $31,625.00

Make Offer to Owner
$61,000 or more
1861-S $20 Paquet--Scratched--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8936)
Auction 1122 | Lot: 3019 | Feb 8, 2009

Sold For: $31,050.00
1851 $50 LE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous. 50 Rev.--Repaired--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 10208)
Auction 444 | Lot: 2147 | Aug 12, 2007

Sold For: $29,900.00
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 7452)
Auction 1151 | Lot: 5709 | Jan 9, 2011

Sold For: $29,900.00
1808 $2 1/2 --Repaired, Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. Bass-3017, Breen-6125, R.4. John Reich joined the Mint staff on April 1, 1807 and began his work redesigning the National coinage. He prepared distinctive new designs for all of the different denominations then in circulation. Half Cents and large cents shared a single design now known as the Classic Head design (some have called it the Turban Head design), with coinage beginning in 1809 and 1808, respectively. All of the silver denominations had a Capped Bust design obverse with an eagle design on the reverse. This John Reich design was introduced to the half dimes through half dollars (silver dollars were not being produced during his tenure) in 1829, 1809, 1815, and 1807, respectively. Among gold coins, the design was a similar Capped Bust motif. The design was only used in 1808 for quarter eagles and was used from 1807 through 1812 for half eagles. Like the silver dollars, ten-dollar gold eagles were not being produced at the time.

This example is lightly cleaned and also has tooling lines in an attempt to remove scratches or other defects in the surfaces. It is bright yellow-gold and has a considerable greenish tint. This is a highly desirable type coin, and the present example is one of about 100 examples of this date and type known to exist.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg Corporation on January 18, 1980 for $25,500.
From The Beverly Hills Collection. (PCGS# 7660)
Auction 366 | Lot: 7541 | Feb 26, 2005

Sold For: $28,922.50
1795 $10 9 Leaves--Mount Removed--NCS. XF Details. Breen-6831, B. 4-C, Taraszka-3, R.6. Only 116 pieces are believed to have been struck of this rare variety, all in March of 1796. The extreme rarity of the 1795 Nine Leaves can best be understood when one views the reverse of this coin. A ragged V-shaped die crack is seen below the leaves and another irregular break is seen through the first T in STATES. These are diagnostic to all Nine Leaves coins we have seen, and their presence indicates early failure of the reverse die.

This example is a bit softly defined in the center of each side with stronger definition at the margins. Unfortunately, some rim disturbances are seen at 3 and 9 o'clock, evidently resulting from the removal of a mount. Since the coin has been a jewelry piece for apparently a long time, the surfaces now show myriad small abrasions and are highly glossy. A couple of deeper scratches are seen behind Liberty's cap in the upper left obverse field, these serving as pedigree identifiers in the future. Still, a rare, high grade example of this important U.S. gold issue. (PCGS# 8552)
Auction 408 | Lot: 3471 | Jun 3, 2006

Sold For: $28,750.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves--Scratched--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8551)
Auction 1132 | Lot: 1737 | Dec 6, 2009

Sold For: $27,600.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves--Scratched--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8551)
Auction 1117 | Lot: 2196 | Oct 25, 2008

Sold For: $27,600.00
1851 $50 LE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous. 50 Rev.--Tooled--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 10208)
Auction 452 | Lot: 2576 | Nov 7, 2007

Sold For: $27,600.00
1920-S $10 --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. Lightly circulated examples of this date are seldom seen and always in demand. This piece has evidence of light cleaning with a mildly abrasive substance, and the surfaces are also lightly marked, yet it is a most desirable example that is regularly found on collectors' want lists.
From The Twin Hollows Collection.
Auction 422 | Lot: 6214 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $27,600.00
1849 $5 Oregon Exchange Co. Five Dollar--Damaged--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 10288)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 4234 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $27,600.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves--Rim Filed--NCS. AU Details. Breen-6830, BD-1, Taraszka-1, R.3. More examples of this die marriage are known than for all other 1795 varieties combined. Minor file marks are evident along the rims on each side of this piece, in an attempt to obscure minor rim bruises or other defects. There are no other imperfections evident on either side. The surfaces are brilliant with light greenish-gold color on each side. This is a pleasing example, despite the imperfections, and it deserves a good home along with other early gold pieces. (PCGS# 8551)
Auction 430 | Lot: 4704 | Feb 17, 2007

Sold For: $26,999.70
1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, Reeded Edge, 887 Thous. -- Damaged -- NCS. AU Details. K-6, R.4. (PCGS# 10214)
Auction 1227 | Lot: 3467 | Dec 6, 2015

Sold For: $26,760.63
1855 $50 Wass Molitor Fifty Dollar--Repaired, Altered Surface--NCS. AU Details. K-9, R.5. Both sides of this piece have bri... (PCGS# 10363)
Auction 434 | Lot: 2435 | May 10, 2007

Sold For: $26,450.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves, BD-5, R.5 -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 45713)
Auction 1291 | Lot: 4680 | Jan 14, 2019

Sold For: $26,400.00
1854-D $3 -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. Variety 1-A. (PCGS# 7970)
Auction 1337 | Lot: 3386 | Dec 16, 2021

Sold For: $26,400.00
1855 $50 Wass Molitor Fifty Dollar--Rim Damage, Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 10363)
Auction 1110 | Lot: 2440 | Jun 29, 2008

Sold For: $25,300.00
1855 $20 Wass Molitor Twenty Dollar, Small Head AU Details, Tooled, NCS. K-7, High R.6. The obverse of this rarely offered Territorial features an undersized portrait that closely resembles that used on the 1855 Ten Dollar, both in size and in design. In fact, the hubs used to prepare the dies were actually the same as those earlier used on the smaller denomination coins. The obverse of the coin is rather heavily marked and scratched, the focus being on and to the left of the portrait. We assume that the resulting brightness from the scratches is what NCS refers to as tooling. Mushiness on the eagle is diagnostic to this rare issue and is the result of strike and not from excessive wear. Listed on page 305 of the 2005 Guide Book.
From The Great Western Collection of Territorial Gold. (PCGS# 10357)
Auction 382 | Lot: 10473 | Jul 30, 2005

Sold For: $25,300.00

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Results per page: 24 48 72