1798 Half Eagle

HBCC#:

3055

Breen#:

6428

BD#:

4

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This variety features the same obverse die as the 14 Stars coin displayed at HBCC-3054, in combination with a reverse die instantly recognized by heavy rim breaks above STATES OF, seen on every known example. These rim breaks, although lighter or heavier in different die states, were almost certainly created in the die manufacturing process, prior to striking any coins. The reverse die is not known with any other obverse dies. This may be the single most common 1798 die marriage.

Provenance:

Purchased from Ronald J. Gillio, August 27, 1973.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse: Wide date, large 8 touching drapery. 9 is shallowly punched, 1 heavily. Heavy lapping evident in bottom curls. Fine crack thru base of date. Crack edge - ERTY - edge; another right arm of Y - stars 9 - 13. Reverse: 13 stars. Rim breaks at edge and ES; edge and O."