1796 Half Dollar, 16 Stars, O102, ANACS VG10, Plugged Start Price USD 1.00 Current Price USD 16,100.00 Time Left - Bid Count 24 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, November 28, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Connecticut See more about '1796 Half Dollar, 16 Stars, O102, ANACS VG10, Plugged ' Description Here is an extremely rare opportunity to obtain an attractive middle-grade example of one of America’s great numismatic classics. Although this specimen was holed and plugged at one time, (note the 1 o’clock position on the reverse), it nevertheless exhibits superb eye appeal. The wear is even with a pleasingly original look on both sides. The coin has attractive lilac and pewter gray cameo toning with all the major design elements present. This specimen was struck with the obverse die in it’s later state (note the die crack from the border just left of the date which connects stars 1 through 4). The major criteria I had when looking for this rare type was that the fraction on the reverse be clearly visible, (and that the coin be affordable as well). To me, this is the most fascinating aspect of the design, (the only other place that you see fractions on early U.S. regular issues was on the first Half Cents and Large Cents). It is well known that completion of an early U.S. type set is not possible without the Draped Bust/Small Eagle Reverse half dollar, (which is by far, the most difficult to obtain). Of the four known die varieties for this type (two dated 1796, and two dated 1797), the 16 stars variety is the rarest and most sought after, (the “Aristocrat of Aristocrats”). It is interesting to note that the 16th star was added to the obverse of this design in celebration of the admission of Tennessee to the union on June 1st, 1796, (but does not appear on the obverse design of 1797). Since the combined mintage of all four die varieties for this design was a mere 3,918 pieces, one can truly appreciate the rarity of this short-lived series, (of which there are very few survivors today). I will surely miss having this coin in my collection. If you should have any reasonable / intelligent questions, don’t hesitate to Email me. Thank you for viewing my listing, and Happy Holidays!  On Nov-28-08 at 07:18:53 PST, seller added the following information: p.s. Here is a very useful link which shows prices realized from past sales, and well as more detailed information on this classic rarity:  http://www.1796halfdollar16stars.com/ On Nov-28-08 at 07:28:41 PST, seller added the following information:p.s. Here is a very useful link which shows prices realized from past sales, as well as detailed information on this classic rarity:  http://www.1796halfdollar16stars.com/ Place a Bid!