Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Draped Bust Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1560		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-15, BB-52. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice blue and lilac toning. Well struck. A lock-solid AU58 specimen with soft primary luster and rich pearl-gray highlights on both sides. More than adequately struck for the date and type, in fact just about 100% so, since this Centered Head 1795 issue rarely is, and definitely a coin that gets points where fullness of design is concern. The draped bust design was used on two obverses in 1795 and is similar to last, but the other off-centered bust but is well-centered in this die. The highest wave of the hair is under the E of Liberty. The obverse often shows a crack, which increased in size as the die was used, at the center. Lowest curl is close to 1 in 1795. Star 1 does not touch curl. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-52 only. For the reverse (Reverse I), again it is similar to BB-51, but with only six berries in the olive branch. There is a leaf under A of STATES; a quick way to identify this reverse. Small letters. The finishing details of the higher areas of the clouds are quite different from those seen on BB-51, and on the present die are more boldly delineated. This reverse die used to strike BB-52 only. Pop 2; none graded finer at PCGS for the variety. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $25,300
Lot 1561		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-52. Centered head. NGC graded VF-25. Mostly untoned. Smooth even wear with medium gray fields contrasted by light "rubbed silver" gray on the high points. A nice state of preservation, with only one small mark noted in the right obverse field. Late in the year 1795 the draped bust obverse with small eagle reverse was adopted for silver dollar coinage. The new draped bosom has Liberty facing right, the word LIBERTY above, the date below, and stars to left and right, on the obverse. The reverse eagle is perched on a cloud within a wreath composed of an olive branch to the left and palm leaves to the right, tied with a bow at the bottom. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds, with particularly wide spacing between the words. Just two die varieties are known for the 1795 year: BB-51 with head left and BB-52 with centered head. Each is easy to find. This style was continued through early 1798 and is similar to that used on half dimes and dimes of 1796 and 1797, quarters of 1796, and half dollars of 1796 and 1797. Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,255
Lot 1562		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. Centered bust. . BB-52, R-1 (B-15). PCGS graded EF-45. Well struck and attractively toned in antique shades of violet and grey. This lovely piece has the head of Liberty centered between LIBERTY and the date, with diagnostic die break in the hair near the hair ribbon. Sleek "old silver" color on both sides, nice uncleaned fields and devices, with sharp relief predominant. This is the first of the short-lived draped bust, small eagle pieces, a Type that was in use at the mint only in 1795-98. Both 1795 and 1798 are transition years when two major Types were issued. A lovely problem-free coin Pop 43; 82 finer. (PCGS # 6858) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,040
Lot 1563		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-65, B-5. NGC graded AU-55. Well struck with nice lilac and gold toning. A gorgeous specimen with suggestions of underlying luster and attractive toning highlights. Surfaces are immaculate! Nicely struck, too, with extraordinary sharpness at the hair curls and drapery on the obverse, the wreath and eagle on the reverse. Most specimens show light striking at stars 2 and 3 (due to metal requirements to fill the defect at I opposite in the dies in the press). However a few, such as this specimen, show full star detail, possibly since the reverse die break had barely begun when the coin was made. A strong bid is called for. Pop 2; 3 finer for the varity at NGC. For this draped bust style, the Mint Director DeSaussure engaged the illustrious portraitist Gilbert Stuart, who submitted a (now lost) drawing of Mrs. William Bingham (nee Ann Willing) as Liberty. John Eckstein, a local artist, translated this into "models" for Robert Scot, the mint's engraver. The "second model" referred to in archival records is likely to have been the small eagle on clouds. Use of olive and palm branches in the wreath, according to Breen, "probably represents a bow to DeSaussure's Southern origins." Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. Ex. Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1564		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-65. Sharpness of EF-40. Cleaned, but because it was done in a judicious manner, all of the main elements in the design are clear, while the rims are choice as well. This reverse is noted for a die break between the I and C of AMERICA, sometimes for extensive as the die was used. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. Ex. Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,120
Lot 1565		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. . Large Date, Small Letters. BB-65. NCS graded Details of AU-50. Plugged. Expertly plugged at 12 o'clock. Beaatifully toned and impressive to look at, with sharp details in Liberty's hair along with similar clarity on the eagle's chest and wing feathers as well as the leaves of the two halves of the wreath. BB-65 is a familiar coin due to its large date, small letters pairing and the small die lump (from a break in the die) on the reverse between I and C in AMERICA. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,680
Lot 1566		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Small date, large letters. PCGS graded MS-60 BB-61; B-4. PCGS holder 05670934. Lovely even light golden toning. A lovely example with nearly full luster on its somewhat toned surfaces. Evenly struck in with virtually no marks noted with a glass. The devices were struck with such force and energy by the dies that all design elements show boldly, and this is most exciting for the collector of draped bust, small eagle silver dollars. In short, this handsome Mint original piece is very nicely struck, just as well preserved, and positioned to become quite a centerpiece in someone's bust dollar collection because it lacks the usual dull flat strike on the eagle's breast and knee. Pop 1: none finer; The Finest Known. (PCGS # 6859) . Small wide date; all of the figures of date evenly spaced wide apart. 6 leans to the left. Highest wave of hair under serif at left bottom of E; second highest wave under upright of R. End of hair tress touches only one (the innermost) point of star 1. The curly lock closest to the date barely misses the star point to the right of the innermost point of star 1 (magnification may be necessary to tell this; on BB-66, the curly lock touches not only the tip of the innermost point of star 1, but also the point to the right of it). On BB-63, star 1 points to the space between two denticles (on BB-66 it points to a denticle). A point of star 15 points to the middle of the drapery folds (on BB-66 it points to a spot high on the drapery folds). This obverse bears a close resemblance to the obverse of BB-66, and specimens should be compared to it. The R in LIBERTY shows beginning signs of failure at the lower right tip. Of the four 1796 obverses, this die was cut next to the last. Estimated Value $150,000 - 165,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $143,750
Lot 1567		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Small date, small letters. PCGS graded AU-50. Light even grey and blue toning. An accurately graded specimen with strong primary detail including central hair waves and naturally toned highlights on both sides. More than adequately struck for this date, perhaps not 100% so, the small eagle Type rarely is, but certainly a coin that gets points where fullness of design is concerned. A few crisscross adjustment lines in the hair. BB-63 is noted for its small wide date; all of the figures of date evenly spaced wide apart. The 6 leans to the left. Highest wave of hair under serif at left bottom of E; second highest wave under upright of R. End of hair tress touches only one (the innermost) point of star 1. The curly lock closest to the date barely misses the star point to the right of the innermost point of star 1 (magnification may be necessary to tell this; on BB-66, the curly lock touches not only the tip of the innermost point of star 1, but also the point to the right of it). An estimated 175 to 300 specimens exist of 1796 BB-63, one of many early bust dollar varieties that are usually seen in lower grades. Above Very Fine, acquisition becomes more difficult. Specimens are scarce if Extremely Fine and very rare if About Uncirculated. The typical example of 1796 BB-63 is not as well struck as this attractive AU50 specimen. Pop 10; 24 finer. (PCGS # 6859) . Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 1568		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Small date, large letters. . B-4, BB-61. PCGS graded EF-40. Attractive toning. Unstoppable clean, care-free surface spreads nicely beneath the old-silver toned highlights, while gusts of lighter toning form contrast points at the topmost areas of the design elements of this scarce 1796 small eagle issue. The strike is strong save for a limited area of lightness at the center as usual. A touch of weakness is often seen at this location due to a lack of striking pressure (bust dollars were hand-struck on the mint's sturdy "screw press" in those early years. That the dies were spaced just far enough apart to impart stronger metal flow in that area, it is just that the pressure required wasn't sufficient. But as the photographs show, bidders may want to seek ownership. The could would appeal to nearly everything. There is nothing like a carefully preserved historic draped bust, small eagle dollar in one's collection, is there? Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1569		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Small date, large letters. NGC graded VF-35. Lightly toned. Another attractively toned example of the desirable 1796 issue, one of the scarcer Type designs in U.S. silver dollars. Clean surfaces on both sides. There is a pleasing absence of both hairlines and marks in the surface, a decided plus for any early dollar. What's more, the rims are complete, with but one very small bruise on the reverse edge at 3 o'clock. For 1796, both large and small date varieties are known, in addition to large or small letters in the reverse legend. Pop 7; 20 finer. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,520
Lot 1570		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Large date, small letters. . BB-65, B-5. NGC graded EF-40. A minor edge flaw on each side, nonetheless, a pleasing problem-free example. Uniform light greyish-violet toning over both sides. The date is in large, blocky font, especially the 1 and 7 on this particular variety. Pop 6; 11 finer. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1571		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Large date, small letters. . BB-65, B-5. NGC graded EF-40. Plenty of detail for the grade and struck on a mostly problem-free planchet. Attractive antique toning deepening at the borders and on the reverse. What more could the student of early American coinage ask for? Pop 6; 11 finer. As the numerals in the date bear a close relationship to those used in 1797, this obverse die is believed to be the final die cut in the 1796 year. Further, the lower right tip of R in LIBERTY is broken; the latest state of any of the four 1796 obverses. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,763
Lot 1572		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71. NGC graded AU-53. Attractive medium antique toning. Among the better defined issues in the scarce draped bust, small eagle dollars, this scintillating BB-71 breaks ground by displaying uncommon the main features of the design. Even the normal softness in the centers is nearly absent. Both sides are graced by lovely "old silver" color which has the deepest shades reserved for the extreme edge, while the high points of the design show contrasting color against the lighter background of the hair, field and other more protected areas. Choice rims; outstanding mark-free originality. Pop 3; 11 finer. Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,375
Lot 1573		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71, B-3. NGC graded AU-50. Nicely toned on both sides. An impressive pale golden brown to neutral gray early silver dollar with highly concentrated detail in almost all areas except the centers (as usual), lending grand eye appeal due to the choiceness of the surfaces and rim. Don't mind the hint of weakness at the hair and eagle as typically seen for this variety, since this has been taken into consideration by the grading service. A coin that once it finds a new owner will possibly be off the market for years. Pop 4; 14 finer. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1574		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71, B-3. NGC graded EF-45. Nice even toning on both sides with the fields yielding the most developed "old silver" patina in the low to medium range, while the hair curls and tops of the cheek and eagle show more contrasting, and lighter, "rubbed silver" accents. A most enjoyable quality and one furthered by the mark-free condition of the coin. Rims too are in exemplary condition for a silver dollar made so long ago. This die pair has an obverse with 16 stars, only six at right facing bust. A die dot close to the bottom right of the second digit makes the date read 17.97 (some squinting to see this is required); the last 7 is higher than 179. The star arrangement of 10 stars to the left and six to the right is the only one of its kind in the dollar series. The obverse die was used to strike 1797 BB-71 only. Turning next to Reverse A, there are large letters in legend, with 8 berries in left branch. A leaf ends under the middle of E in STATES. The lowest berry near the ribbon bow is on outside of wreath. Dollars from this die pair were struck on large planchets. Pop 15; 18 finer for the variety. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,200
Lot 1575		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71, B-3. NGC graded EF-45. Struck on a slightly grainy planchet. Lightly toned. A couple of minor on the rim as made. This is one of the more popular dates in the series due to its low Redbook-listed mintage of 7,776 pieces. However, the mint in those days was notoriously bad at record-keeping, so that modern die variety specialists have had to try to recreate more probable numbers. All the same, the draped bust, small eagle Type used in 1795-98 is by far the most desirable bust dollar variety in the period. This sharp specimen has a lock on its grade and will provide many pleasurable hours of study by the next owner. Pop 15; 18 finer. (PCGS # 6865) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,200
Lot 1576		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71, B-3. NGC graded EF-45. Attractive medium antique greyish-violet toning. One of two star placements on the 1797 issue, the other being 9x7 arrangement. The color is all original. There is a tiny edge bump above T in LIBERTY but nothing out of the ordinary in the way of marks; certainly fresh, original toning throughout without the slightest sign that it has ever been mishandled or cleaned. An appealing 1797 draped bust silver dollar (PCGS # 6865) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1577		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71, B-3. NGC graded EF-40. A very pleasing example. Moderate antique greyish violet toning. Some faint adjustment marks on reverse. Another outstanding early silver dollar featuring the draped bust, small eagle Type. The handsome surface is replete with smooth fields, relatively bold relief, choice rims and equally choice original "old silver" patina. A thoroughly enjoyable bust dollar! Pop 8; 33 finer. (PCGS # 6865) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050
Lot 1578		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . BB-71, B-3. NGC graded EF-40. A shallow strike as made with adjustment marks prevelent across the obverse. Light to medium gray in color, the deepest shades occur at the outer margin and give accents to the raised stars, date digits, and letters in the legends on both sides. Smooth, injury-free rims from careful storage over the decades. Now more than two centuries old! Pop 8; 33 finer. (PCGS # 6865) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1579		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. VG-8. Nice even wear on a problem-free planchet with no serious problems with the exception of being cleaned at one time. Now a uniform light silvery-gold. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1580		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-19, BB-106, Rarity 4. EF-40. Nicely toned. Planchet flaw obverse at 5:00 is barely a hindrance considering the overall smooth surfaces, sharp relief, and lovely "old silver" toning. Wide date, distant from bust on this desirable variety. Upper left star near L. Upper and lower right stars equidistant from Y and bust. First star points to lower edge of a denticle. On the left, stars are about equally spaced. On the right, stars 12 and 13 are slightly farther apart than are other stars, which are fairly evenly spaced. Vertical die crack down through stand of E in LIBERTY, across bust through 1 of date to border. This obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-106 only. The reverse die used to strike 1798 BB-105 (later state) and BB-106 (early state). 1798 BB-106 is one of the rarer varieties of the year. An estimated 80 to 140 exist according to the Bowers encyclopedia, "a comfortable population large enough to assure one for the cabinet of every specialist. Most examples are in the VF range. EF coins are elusive." Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1581		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-114. Sharpness of Fine-15. Lightly cleaned. Weak at centers. Die breaks including one through the end of the stem in the eagle's claw. Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 1582		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle, 15 stars on obverse. . BB-81, B-2. NGC graded AU-50. Nicely even toning on both sides, both surfaces deeply displaying the attractive, almost wood-grain effect of silvery gray to russet brown. Very scarce coin in this or any other grade. The only 1798 dollar with 15 stars. Undoubtedly, this die was made in 1795 or before June 1796, during which time 15 stars were standard; the die was complete except for the date. In 1798 the uncompleted die had the date stamped and was used to coin this variety. On BB-81, the highest wave of hair is incomplete, probably from relapping, which also caused certain lower hair curls to be incomplete. B and R in LIBERTY each tilted slightly right. There is a wide numeral 8 in date with the top interior space a horizontal oval and the bottom a circle, from a punch unique to this obverse, not used elsewhere in the early dollar series (not for the 8 on later dates such as 1800, 1801, etc., which have vertical oval spaces within the 8). This distinctive 8 punch was regularly used on 1798 $10 gold coins, however. The reverse is of the small eagle type -- a motif first used in the silver dollar series in 1795, and continued through early 1798. Sometime in the beginning of 1798, this general type was superceded by the heraldic eagle motif, which was used for the balance of the series. It is thought that the durable reverse die under discussion was first used in calendar year 1795, again in 1796, temporarily retired in 1797 (according to Bowers), and used for the last time in early 1798 ("to strike coins dated 1797 and 1798"). Pop 2; 5 finer. Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $24,150
Lot 1583		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle. . BB-105, B-23. ICG graded EF-45. Even light to mewdium grey toning. An very choice Extremely Fine in all respects, the traces of luster can be found around the devices, while natural gray toning highlights blossom on both sides. The strike is bold in all but the central areas, indeed, as bold as ever seen on virtually any date in the series, but with minor weakness in the hair curls below the ear and on the shield and associated areas of the central reverse. 1798 BB-105 shares honors with BB-125 as one of the two most affordable varieties of the year and, indeed, one of the most common early dollars of any date. An estimated 850 to 1,500 are believed to exist (Bowers encyclopedia). Most are in lower grades. Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,025
Lot 1584		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle, close date. . BB-123, B-25. NGC graded AU-55. Light grey toning. Soft strike near the reverse stars as usual. Extensive die breaks on the obverse, as pictured. Pop 1; finest graded for the variety. This is from the so-called "Blundered Stars Reverse" with blundered star placement; some stars overlap the clouds. Perhaps, the engraver was inattentative when cutting this die. Two uppermost stars in center partly in clouds. Cloud 4 has two rays of a star superimposed on it at lower left; clouds 5 and 6, which overlap, are with the top ray of a star touching cloud 5, the ray to the left of it barely touching the cloud, and the ray to the right slightly overlapping cloud 6. A star touches point of upper part of eagle's beak; star ray points to right side of B in PLURIBUS. Line star pattern. Die crack from stem down to milling. Small die flaws in E of STATES, between E and S, and under S. Die crack from cloud under last S of STATES through top of O and down to base of F. "I believe that 300 to 500 examples are known of 1798 BB-123," explains the Bowers encyclopedia, "making it in the middle range of availability. Nearly all are in lower grades through EF. AU coins are very rare." Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1585		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle, close date. PCGS graded EF-45. Nice even light toning on both sides (PCGS # 6873) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,370
Lot 1586		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle, wide date, 13 arrows. . BB-105, B-23. NGC graded AU-55. Luser is still evident about the devices. Quite attractive featuring natural light greyish-violet toning. A common die variety. Usually lightly struck at the centers according to the Bowers encyclopedia of silver dollars. The obverse die was used to strike 1798 BB-104 (early state) and BB-105 (early and late states). Reverse H has several die flaws, one between ST, another between TE, another at right of E in STATES. There is a curved die flaw above third upper right star on reverse. Five small berries in the branch, the two above closest together. Arc star pattern; star ray points to center of B in PLURIBUS. 13 arrows. This reverse die was used to strike 1798 BB-105 (late state) and BB-106 (early state). Pop 2; 3 finer; 1 in 58; 1 in 61; 1 in 65. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1587		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle, wide date, 13 arrows. . BB-104. Sharpness of EF-40. Signs of cleaning but now has begun to retone to a more natural appearance, and attractive. The surfaces are unusually choice and mark free for this Wide Date variety with the distinctive die break through E of STATES on the reverse. Wide date in date, the 8 firmly united with bust. This die is similar to BB-101, but the upper stars, while near L and Y, are not as close to them as in BB-101; on this the 7th star points directly at the lower left serif end of L, while on BB-101 the star points slightly above the serif end. Flaw on star 4. Slight die crack under Y and 8th and 9th stars, shows on some specimens. This obverse die was used to strike 1798 BB-104 (early state) and BB-105 (early and late states). BB-104 is paired to Reverse G, which also struck BB-103. Bolender said nothing about the die state of the reverse in the mating that created BB-104, except that BB-104 was struck "from same die as Bolender-18" (equivalent to BB-103). However, Haseltine in 1881 stated that the reverse had a die crack from the rim through the E of STATES, but said nothing about any other cracks (PCGS # 6877) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,955
Lot 1588		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-16, BB-158. PCGS graded AU-58. Well struck and quite lustrous. Lightly toned. Free from adjustment marks. An splendidly lustrous high grade bust dollar with silvery finish beneath rich light gray luster. A lovely coin, one that certainly meets the qualifications for the assigned grade because it is so well, so boldly, struck. Perhaps the most plentiful silver dollar of this type in today's market, the 1799 is a popular addition to a Type Set of both high-end circulated and Mint State coins. It is also a desirable issue among variety specialists, as numerous different die marriages have been discovered. First used on the Quarter Eagle in 1796, Robert Scot's rendition of the Great Seal of the United States took its place on the silver dollar beginning in 1798. This heraldic eagle reverse, as it has since become known, replaced the small eagle that had originally been paired with the draped bust obverse. The new design would remain in use until President Thomas Jefferson suspended silver dollar production early in the 19th century. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,375
Lot 1589		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-155, B-19. NGC graded AU-53. Light even grey toning with very choice surfaces (excepting only a short hairling in the obv. field at right). 1799 BB-155 is one of the key rarities of the year. It has been estimated that as few as 70 to 110 exist today. Yet, as of the early 2000s, there are more coins offered than there are specialized collectors desiring to pay a large premium for them; thus, circulated specimens sell for slightly more than "type" prices and are excellent values. The average range is Very Fine or Extremely Fine; higher grade coins like this attractive AU53 are reserved for the more astute collectors of rare varieties, who do not have to be concerned with prices being pushed up by competition from investors. Pop 1; 1 in 55; 1 in 58. In 1799, the United States government almost went to war against France. Congress suspended all trade with that nation and her colonies. The frigate Constellation captured French Insurgente. But by March, 1799, President Adams appointed William Varns Murray as the new Minister to France. The latter headed the peace commission which ended hostilities with France and Napoleon's government. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1590		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-158, B-16. ICG graded AU-50. Nice light blue and gold toning with a deeper area of natural dark grap above the 8th star on the obverse. Nice hair detail for the grade, indeed, exceedingly sharp for this year or any date early silver dollar. Ample luster remains as well, providing added virture for the overall eye-appeal. Known by collectors as the "Close 17 obverse" variety. Left stars distant from curl and L; star 7 is farther from L on this than on any other obverse of the year. Right stars close to Y and bust. This die is quickly recognized by keeping the above in mind. Also, the numerals 1 and 7 closer together on this than on any other 1799 obverse. The obverse die used to strike 1799 BB-158 only. REVERSE I has the U in UNITED defective at upper left part, which is cut off, due to employment of a defective U punch. A point of the star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak; ray points to left serif at left side of U in PLURIBUS. Star under cloud 1 is noticeably smaller than any other. A in AMERICA rests on 4th feather. From a later die state, after the dies came together (clashed) without an intervening planchet. Notice in the photograph the incuse "waves" above date caused by an impression of the reverse clouds on obverse die. Additional clash marks are also found. It appears that the impact of clashing caused several cracks, including a small crack through upper left of star l; crack from bottom border, through drapery, upward and then curving left toward hair, then abruptly turning upward to area just to left of the front of neck. Others, that eventually led to the shattering of the dies, are also present. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,910
Lot 1591		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-161, B-11A, Rarity 5. NGC graded EF-45. Lightly toned on both sides, with smooth and balanced light wear from circulation. The deepest gray hue can be found in the fields surrounding lighter gray devices in a typical two-tone effect found on only the very choicest, uncleaned specimens like this. The present population of 1799 BB-161 is believed to be about 600 to 1,100 according to Bowers. Most of these are of middle dies states. While BB-161 is obtainable easily enough in lower grades, in Extremely Fine or higher the issue is scarce, with true Mint States being notable rarities. "BB-161 has no berries in the branch on the reverse," observes the Bowers silver dollar guide, "a fact not generally known, as Milferd H. Bolender noted that it has 'one tiny berry.' Granted, it may have a trace of an erstwhile berry, but anything approaching a full berry, no." Pop 4; 4 finer. Estimated Value $3,300 - 3,600. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 1592		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-16, BB-158. PCGS graded VF-30. Even grey toning. Choice surfaces with a few old surface marks, now hidden by the natural color. BB-158 shares the same reverse with BB-159 (the 8x5 star variety), but in this die pairing, the obverse left stars are distant from curl and L; star 7 is farther from L on this than on any other obverse of the year. Right stars close to Y and bust. This die is quickly recognized by keeping the above in mind. Numerals 1 and 7 are also closer together on this than on any other 1799 obverse. Star 1 is about 2 mm. distant from curl, and star 7 is just as far from the L. Star 8 is quite close to Y, and star 13 almost as near to bust. Star 6 has raised die defect or trace of extra ray to left of topmost ray (ray pointing upward).Pop 1; 1 in EF45; 2 in AU58. Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 1593		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Sharpness of Fine-12. Cleaned long ago and scratched on both sides. Estimated Value $700 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $805
Lot 1594		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. 8 stars left, 5 right. . BB-159. NGC graded AU-50. Excellent detail with remarkably clean surfaces and natural antique toning. A high degree of original surface color graces the fresh-looking silver gray features of this impeccably preserved early bust silver dollar. Unusual for this design, the die maker placed 8 stars behind Liberty and only 5 in front, making up the requisite 13 stars (for the original 13 States), but leaving the design out of balance. This is a Red Book variety that many collectors are after in choice condition. Few will find one as attractive as this! Pop 1; 7 finer; 3 in 55; 3 in 58; 1 in 61. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,338
Lot 1595		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. 8 stars left, 5 right. . BB-159. PCGS graded EF-45. Nice details with light grey toning. Here, too, we are pleased to describe a first-rate bust dollar of the finest order in its class whose beautiful natural toning adorns the choice surfaces. Piercingly sharp for the date, easily finer in sharpness than many in nominally higher grades. 1799 BB-159, with stars arranged 8x5, is popular due to the distinctive obverse. About 500 to 900 are known, in the estimation of the Bowers encyclopedia of silver dollars, "so in absolute terms the coin is not rare. However, its popularity as a type has caused specimens to sell for prices far in excess of other 1799 dollars of comparable rarity." In a year with relatively little to offer in the way of truly notable die varieties other than the 1799/8 overdate, the 1799 BB-159 is a special favorite due to its distinctive character. Obverse: Only 5 stars to right of bust. The obverse stars are arranged eight to the left and five to the right; the only 1799 with this peculiar arrangement. The reason for this configuration is unknown. It may have been a blundered die, or the engraver may have accidentally punched the eight stars on the left after just having cut a die for a 1799 $10 gold coin (all of which have stars arranged 8x5 this year). He would then have been forced to complete the die using only five stars on the right. Given the care taken to prepare dies at the Mint for dollar coinage this year, the 8x5 stars blunder is all the more remarkable. This obverse die used to strike 1799 BB-159 only. The reverse was used on BB-158, 159, 160, and 161. Pop 1; 1 in AU53; 1 in AU55 for the variety. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,600
Lot 1596		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-188, B-8. NGC graded AU-55. Nice light toning on both sides. Another outstanding early silver dollar, this piece a "natural" for any collector aspiring to own just one representative coin. That it is all original and free from marks or rim problems puts it right up among the finest certified in its category. Bolender, in referring to B-8 of 1800, said this: "Look for the die 'dot' inside lower part of R, near the left upright, in LIBERTY." This easily distinguishes this die, which was also used for BB-189. Left base of E slightly high in relation to bottom of B. The Reverse E used on this pairing has three upper stars on right on the reverse that do not touch clouds. Three upper stars on the left on reverse each have one point touching clouds. A leaf points slightly to the left of center of I in AMERICA. A star enters the eagle's mouth, with the upper part of beak closing down on the side of the star point. Letter A just touches the 3rd and 4th feathers. Pop 2; 1 in 62. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1597		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-193, B-13. NGC graded AU-55. "Shooting Star" Die State III variety. Nice even toning on both sides. Powerfully struck and showing ample luster that streams like a river across the satiny, largely medium gray toned surfaces of this handsome AU55. A flicker of light gold highlights a few areas, with complete hair curls and drapery on Liberty. The eagle, too, shows impressive detail for the year. 1800 BB-193, as we know the variety today, is one of the most plentiful dollars of the year, and is about tied with BB-187 as the most affordable this year. An estimated 700 to 1,200 are known, according to the Bowers encyclopedia of silver dollar, where it is pointed out that "in the present text, the population of BB-193 includes what used to be called Bolender-18, from the same dies, but a later state with clashing. Today, specialists recognize Bolender-18 as simply a later die state of BB-193." Pop 2; 2 in 58; 2 in 62; 1 in 64. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,763
Lot 1598		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-12, BB-184. PCGS graded VF-35. Nice shades of blue and rose colors.A refreshingly original toned example of the highest caliber for its grade, and one distinguished for being a popularly collected design. Full "old silver" color blends effortlessly with iridescent blue highlights on the choice surfaces. The rims are in outstanding shape, free of nicks or bumps. Pop 1; 16 coins graded at NGC. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1599		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. Wide date, low 8. . BB-190, B-10. NGC graded AU-50. Light even grey toning on both sides with outstanding strike on the hair, the stars, and the eagle. The balanced color makes this one-up on the competition in our mind. Plus, the choice rims and lack of field marks puts it into the "must own" category for many prospective bidders. A firm, full-market bid it thereby called for. Pop 2; 1 in 55; 3 in 58. Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,440
Lot 1600		1801 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-1, BB-211. PCGS graded EF-45. Nicely toned on both sides. Nicely toned, yet basically all-original in appearance, the fields being deeper in color than the light gray high points of Liberty's hair and the eagle's main elements. The few wispy abrasions do not detract from the overall smooth pleasing eye appeal of this well preserved specimen from 1801. "To the shores of Tripoli." There is at the moment a lot of discussion about undeclared wars. America's first such undeclared war took place in 1801, the year of this silver dollar. Conflict with the North African port city of Tripoli's pirates finally led, four years later, the U. S. consul in Tunis, William Eaton, to collect a ragtag army in Egypt to subdue them. Consisting of 38 Greeks, 300 Arabs, a dethroned pasha, and 7 U.S. marines under Lieut. Preston N. O'Bannon, they marched 600 mile across the desert to attack Tripoli from the rear. The phrase "To the shores of Tripoli" in the U. S. Marines' hymn refers to this unusual incident. Pop 1; only example graded at PCGS; 17 coins graded at NGC. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1601		1802 Draped Bust Dollar. Narrow date. . BB-241, B-6. NGC graded MS-63. Housed in NGC holder 1871269-008. Lovely light gold toning on both sides intersperced with dappled silvery gray color. The toning is more extensively developed over the reverse. Sparkling golden iridescence like this permeates this satiny Mint State beauty with a life of its own. Add a sky-scraping level of clear, defect-free surface plus bold, perfect rims, and the appeal is very tempting. BB-241 is noted for its close perfect date. There is a wide space between 8 and 0. The figure 2 is distant from bust. The right foot of T in LIBERTY missing. "This die must have been made about the same time as the reverse for 1801 BB-213," explains the Bowers encyclopedia, "which also displays broken T letters from the same punch." The obverse die was used to strike 1802 BB-241 only. The venerable, hard-working Reverse A die was used to strike 1801 (intermediate state) BB-212; 1802/1 BB-231 (early state) and BB-232 (early state); 1802 BB-241 (slightly advanced intermediate state); and 1803 BB-253 (if it exists) and BB-254 (slightly advanced intermediate state), and BB-255 (terminal state). One of the few in the series that extends over three years. Mint States are few and far between, as indicated by the census: Pop 4; 1 in 65. Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $32,200
Lot 1602		1802 Draped Bust Dollar. Narrow date. . BB-241, B-6. NGC graded AU-55. Lovely blue and gold toning on both sides. An astonishingly beautiful toned example of the best possible order for the AU55 grade, a coin whose lustrous surfaces play host to robust sharp detail, choice surface quality, and iridescent originality. On this close perfect date variety, there is a wide space between 8 and 0. The figure 2 is distant from bust. The right foot of T in LIBERTY is missing. This die must have been made about the same time as the reverse for 1801 BB-213, which also displays broken T letters from the same punch. The obverse die was used to strike 1802 BB-241 only. Pop 4; 10 finer at NGC for this variety. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 1603		1802/1 Draped Bust Dollar. Wide date. . BB-234. NGC graded AU-53. Lilac and gold toning on both sides. Beautiful deep "old silver" patina with the most developed color around the margin, lightening to medium gray with touches of russet in the areas of most relief. Fields, rims, and devices are in outstanding shape for a coin more than 200 years young! Talk about solid aesthetic appeal in an early silver dollar. An estimated 400 to 750 specimens exist of the BB-234 overdate, about as many as survive of BB-232. Although several Mint State pieces are reported, most survivors from this die pairing are in lower grades, with Very Fine being typical. Pop 6; 28 finer for the date. Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,350
Lot 1604		1802/1 Draped Bust Dollar. Wide date. . BB-234. NCS graded Details of EF-40. Obverse graffiti improperly cleaned. Actually, a very pleasing looking coin despite these minor impairments and at the correct value, a "find" for some smart collector. In 1802/1, the overdate is bold from an underlying 1 that the die maker either failed in his attempt to first obliterate or did not even make an effort to do so. Curiously, there are overdates in the 1802/1 half eagle series as well, possibly made at the same time as this BB-234 variety. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1605		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Small 3. . BB-254, B-4. NGC graded AU-53. Loaded with luster. Silvery-grey. Area of weakness as struck on reverse, as struck, transfers over to the lower portion of Liberty's bust and drapery on the obverse. Characteristic areas of mint frost are seen around the legends, stars, and main devices in this grade. Pop 1; 3 finer; 1 in 58; 1 in 61; 1 in 64. (PCGS # 6900) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1606		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Small 3. PCGS graded VF-20. Light rose and golden toning. Smooth surface, pleasing color and eye-appeal for the grade. A few very minor marks in the starry field above the eagle. The rims are choice. Pop 1; none finer @ PCGS; 12 coins graded at NGC. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 1607		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Large 3. . B-5, BB-255. PCGS graded AU-50. Attractive toning on both sides. A worldly measure of pouring smooth gray "antique silver" color livens up the wide expanse of mark-free surface. The fields are for all intents and purposes excel others in this About Uncirculated category, and the strike is intrepid enough to call for special mention, including sharp stars and hair. The Large 3 variety is the easiest to catalog variety of 1803: Thick top to 3 in date, star 13 close to bust, star 1 distant from hair. On the left, stars 1-2 and 5-6 are closer than any others, while stars 4-5 are the most widely separated. On the right, the stars are remarkably evenly spaced. The 180 wide, and 3 a trifle low at base. The 3 is lightly double punched at its base and has a spur at its bottom. This obverse die used to strike 1803 BB-255 only. Pop 3; 2 in 53; 1 in 55 for the variety. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,050
Lot 1608		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Large 3. . BB-255, B-6. PCGS graded AU-50. Light even grey toning on both sides. With estimates that about 1,250 to 2,000 specimens are known of 1803 BB-255, the variety is about as plentiful as 1802 BB-241, and, like it, the 1803 BB-255 dominates its year -- accounting for more coins than all other die varieties of 1803 combined. The perfect choice for a Type set or one-coin-per-year date set of early silver dollars. Notwithstanding all of this, higher grades like About Uncirculated it is not often available. Pop 3; 2 in 53; 1 in 55 for the variety. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,763
Lot 1609		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Large 3. . BB-255, B-6. NGC graded AU-50. Light even toning with a hint of light lilac colors makes this an impressive addition to the field of early U.S. numismatics. Bidders will note that the fields are especially choice for the Type, with all of the fine detail in the hair and on the shield present or mostly present, and the stars sharp. Pop 7, 9 finer. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,188