By: Mobin
1796 marked the first year half dollars were struck, inaugurating this denomination into US coinage.
The design featuring Miss Liberty came from the hand of early Mint engraver Robert Scot, which saw revisions in subsequent years.
Records did not survive documenting the exact original mintage, but it was certainly small numbering under 3,000 pieces.
Early die varieties exist with either 15 or 16 stars representing states on the famous Flowing Hair half dollar's obverse.
An estimated 125-150 examples survive across all die varieties, making the 1796 halves extremely rare in all forms.
As the first half dollar, date and stars variety collecting adds an extra dimension for series specialists.
In any grade, the 16 stars 1796 Draped Bust half realizes over $100,000, stretching well into the millions for top graded gems.