I never thought about limiting the number of stars on our coins

1630Boston

What a beautiful coin
Found on the NNP
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Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers
Offered is a very desirable example of this interesting variety with 16 obverse stars. The thought at the time was to add one star each time a state joined the Union. There were 13 original states, to which Vermont, the 14th, was added in 1791, but no recognition on the stars when the Philadelphia Mint began coining silver (with stars in the design) in 1794. However, in 1795 when Kentucky joined as the 15th state, coins with 15 stars were made. Then with Tennessee in 1796, 16 stars were used, as here. Enough is enough, must have been thought, or there would be no room on the coins, so after 1796 the style reverted to 13 stars. Half dimes of 1797 occur in different star counts, creating one of the most interesting years in silver coinage. The present piece, with its attractive toning, is bound to attract a lot of attention as it crosses the block on Rarities Night.
PCGS# 4259.
From the Richard C. Jewell Collection. Earlier from Stack's Nor-
web Collection sale, November 2006, lot 3.

ricko

That is interesting. I recall reading about the star issue in one of my numismatic books... cannot remember which one - probably one by Roger B.. Cheers, RickO

CaptHenway

The St. Gaudens $10 and $20 come with either 46 or 48 stars depending on the year, and the Kennedy Half come with both 13 AND 50 stars.

Pop quiz: Which U.S. coin has 17 stars, and why?

lilolme

I was familiar with this but it was due to the half (and dollar). Like Ricko I can't recall where I read it but suspect it was a half dollar book.

PerryHall

@CaptHenway said:
The St. Gaudens $10 and $20 come with either 46 or 48 stars depending on the year, and the Kennedy Half come with both 13 AND 50 stars.

The AGE also comes with 50 stars.

telephoto1

@CaptHenway said:
The St. Gaudens $10 and $20 come with either 46 or 48 stars depending on the year, and the Kennedy Half come with both 13 AND 50 stars.

Pop quiz: Which U.S. coin has 17 stars, and why?

Sacagawea if I'm not mistaken... isn't that the number of states during the Lewis/Clark expedition?

PerryHall

@telephoto1 said:

@CaptHenway said:
The St. Gaudens $10 and $20 come with either 46 or 48 stars depending on the year, and the Kennedy Half come with both 13 AND 50 stars.

Pop quiz: Which U.S. coin has 17 stars, and why?

Sacagawea if I'm not mistaken... isn't that the number of states during the Lewis/Clark expedition?

@telephoto1 said:

@CaptHenway said:
The St. Gaudens $10 and $20 come with either 46 or 48 stars depending on the year, and the Kennedy Half come with both 13 AND 50 stars.

Pop quiz: Which U.S. coin has 17 stars, and why?

Sacagawea if I'm not mistaken... isn't that the number of states during the Lewis/Clark expedition?

That's the correct answer. Ohio was admitted as the 17th state in 1803 which was also the year of the Louisiana Purchase by President Jefferson. The Corps of Discovery Expedition began their trek to explore the newly acquired territory in 1804 and completed it in 1806.

LanceNewmanOCC

ok, now we got some technicals outta the way, time for pretty pictures.

** CoinFacts**

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2006 Stacks Auction of OP Coin Jewell/Norweb: LINK

2011 Stacks Chicago ANA: Catalog- Archive.org - Page of OP Coin in Catalog: LINK

Aegis3

@CaptHenway said:
The St. Gaudens $10 and $20 come with either 46 or 48 stars depending on the year, and the Kennedy Half come with both 13 AND 50 stars.

Pop quiz: Which U.S. coin has 17 stars, and why?

2004 Cicada commemorative half dollar?