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A pleasing lilac-gray specimen with generous amounts of mint bloom in the protected areas.
Free of unsightly marks, and amazingly choice as such. One of the great rarities in the
U.S. half dollar series; indeed, among all silver issues from the U.S. Mint. From a
reported mintage of just 3,918 pieces, a production figure that also includes pieces dated
1796 (both 15 and 16 Stars varieties). A greatly prized rarity that is eagerly sought by
collectors in all grades of preservation from AG-3 up through superlative Mint State (we
recently sold the Norweb specimen of the issue, far and away the finest known example of
the date, for an amazing $966,000). The population of 1797 half dollars is heavily
weighted toward lower grades, with many otherwise quality-conscious collectors finding a
holed piece satisfactory after an extensive search. It is worth noting here that the
present coin is the sole AU-50 example of the date certified by PCGS, with just a half
dozen other examples of the date certified finer by that firm. As the most challenging of
all silver American types to find in any grade, we have no doubt that the person who adds
this fine half dollar to his or her type set will be very proud to include a piece of this
calibre among other half dollar issues.PCGS Population: 1; 6 finer (MS-63 finest).
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