Only a fraction of the reported mintage of 6,196 half eagles struck in 1796 actually bore that date — estimated to be between 1,057 and 2,000 coins — with the balance bearing the 1795 date. Only one pair of dies was used to produce these coins and it was a 1795-dated obverse die recut with the 1796 date. Fortunately for collectors who enjoy overdates, this feature is readily apparent. Along with the 1796/5 half dime this represents the earliest such overdates in the nation's coinage. 1796 turned out to be a year when every denomination was struck, from the half cent through to the eagle, a situation that would not be repeated until well into the nineteenth century. Between 80 and 100 1796/5 half eagles are thought to remain in numismatic circles. The half eagle was the principal gold coin used in the early economy and endured all the rigors of commerce. Most specimens are found in the higher end of the circulated grade levels, with a small cluster in EF to lower end AU. Mint State coins are exceptionally rare, maybe five are known, putting quite a bit of pressure on premium AU specimens. As has been observed, often an AU-58 coin will offer a more dramatic and beautiful visage over some low-end Mint State pieces.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the D. Brent Pogue Part II Auction, where it realized $152,750.