PCGS Nos: 6057, 6058

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 3,918 (includes Half Dollars dated 1797)
Proofs: none

Designer: Obverse by Robert Scot, reverse by John Eckstein

Diameter: ±32.5 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 89.2%
Copper - 10.8%

Weight: ±208 grains (±13.5 grams)

Edge: Lettered - FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR (various ornaments between words)

Mintmark: None (all dates of this type were struck at Philadelphia)

Image courtesy of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries

Varieties:
15 Obverse Stars
   Overton 101 -
16 Obverse Stars
   Overton 102 -

Notes:
Beware of modern reproductions from the Gallery Mint of Eureka, Arkansas that have had the word "COPY" ground off and the surfaces deliberately worn down to simulate a "new" variety of the 1796 Half Dollar.

The finest "15 Stars" example graded by PCGS is a single MS-64.

The finest "16 Stars" example graded by PCGS is a single MS-66. 

Significant examples:
See variety listings

Recent appearances:
See variety listings

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836", Third Edition, by Al C. Overton and Don Parsley

"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

"The PCGS Population Report, July 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service

"Collectors' Clearinghouse" by Eric von Klinger, COIN WORLD, December 30, 2002, page 91