 1797 LM.2 (R-4). 16 stars, outer berry between NI. Very Choice Brilliant Uncirculated. This bright, lustrous example exhibits peripheral gold and russet toning and there are traces of darker blue colors in the dentils. Struck from badly clashed dies as is nearly always the case for this variety. There are multiple impressions of the wreath present in the obverse fields. The reverse too has multiple clash marks with Liberty's bust, face and curls seen in the opposing fields around the eagle and wreath. Identifiable by a minor dull mark below Liberty's ear and a similar mark to the right of her ear on her jaw. A middle to late die state with obverse die cracks from star eight into the field. The reverse displays die cracks that extend through the 'ED' of UNITED, as well as rim crumbling over 'AME'.
The strike on this variety is always compromised by the die clashing, with there being weakness on Liberty's curls below her ear to the back of her head. Weakness on the reverse extends over the eagle save for its wings, which are struck well enough to show most of the feather definition in those areas. This is an outstanding coin for the variety and certainly one of the finer examples known of the date! Precious few survive in Choice Uncirculated grades, and the present coin boasts strong eye appeal and abundant lustre.
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