1796 50C 15 Stars, Overton 101 SP65 认证号45772035, PCGS号86057

Ron Guth

This is one of the most remarkable of all early U.S. coins.  It is a fully prooflike 1796 Half Dollar, replete with lintmarks on both sides from where the planchets and/or the dies were wiped before the coin was struck.  Lintmarks are typical on later Proof coin and they indicate a high degree of special care and preparation.  Technically, there are no American Proof coins prior to 1917, but there are several coins (this one included) that were obviously made for a special purpose, thus they are called Specimen coins.  There is no other 1796 Half Dollar like this.  It has a great pedigree going back to the Allenburger and Judd collections, the latter being the well-known author of the standard reference book on U.S. pattern coins.