The 1796 half cent is the classic rarity of the denomination from a mintage of just 1,390 coins. Perhaps 10% of those coins still exist today, nearly all in very low grades. We estimate the existence of about 25 No Pole coins and perhaps 120 With Pole coins.

Certain issues, such as the 1796 half cent and the 1901-S quarter, are known in high grade and low grade, but virtually unknown between these extremes. Nearly all known 1796 half cents, of both varieties, exist in Mint State and also below Fine. Those that grade VF, XF, and AU, such as this piece, are extremely rare.

Walter Breen described two subvarieties for the With Pole pieces, struck on rolled copper planchets or on spoiled cents. His spoiled cent subvariety, like the thick planchet 1795 coins, should weigh at least 100 grains, compared to the 84 grain standard for the issue. To date, we are only aware of a single thick planchet piece, discussed in Breen’s Half Cent Encyclopedia.

The  example Heritage is offering in their upcoming Long Beach Signature Auction on May 28-31 has reflective fields on both sides, with excellent luster. Aside from the usual minor abrasions resulting from brief circulation, the surfaces are exceptional. Slight weakness is evident at the center of the reverse, but all other design elements are bold. This coin is struck from an early die state with repunching of the 9 clear. The existing population of 1796 half cents is too small to clearly establish distinct die states or a suitable emission sequence.

This coin is a part of the Col. Steven Ellsworth Collection of Half Cents, one of our outstanding featured collections at Long Beach.

Related posts:

1. Rarest Half Cent Brings $345,000: The Rouse 1796 ‘No Pole’!
2. Choice Mint State 1796 Half Cent in Stacks Sale
3. 1944-D Steel Cent Error to be Auctioned by Heritage!
4. Mint State 1832 Half Eagle to be Auctioned by Heritage at Summer Fun
5. Coin Rarities & Related Topics: 1943-D copper cent, 1795 Reeded Edge cent, 1811/0 cent, and half cent errors
6. Coin Rarities & Related Topics: 1943-D copper cent, 1795 Reeded Edge cent, 1811/0 cent, and half cent errors
7. 1795 Half Cent – Double Error in Heritage Auction
8. Proof 1838-O Half and Husak Large Cents Lead Heritage Long Beach Sale
9. 1796 Large Cent Brings $690,000: New Auction Record for a Copper Coin
10. Heritage to offer the Single Finest PCGS 1925-D Lincoln Cent at Long Beach Auction