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Sale 63
The Pre-Long Beach Auction of US, World Coins and Currency
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Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 880 |
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1795 B-14, BB-51 Rarity 2 Off Center Draped Bust PCGS graded Genuine. Beautiful multi-faceted toning exhibiting blue, olive green, and gold colors blankets both sides. Despite receiving a Genuine designation from PCGS this is quite an appealing example of the variety. The year 1795 makes a transition from the earlier, short-lived Flowing Hair style to this updated Draped Bust with modified Small Eagle reverse Type, which in itself would also last only a short while (1795-98). 15 Stars arouond Liberty, denoting the then-15 States in the Union (PCGS # 96858) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$6,038 |
Lot 881 |
 |
1795 B-15, BB-52 Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-50. CAC Approved. Pop 1; 4 finer, 1 in 55, 2 in 58, 1 in 61. Both sides exhibit gun metal grey coloration with a trace of golden undertones. Well struck on the main features. In 1795, a transition occurred when the Flowing Hair style Liberty head gave way to the more upright and formal Draped Bust design. Liberty's hair is tied with a ribbon at the back. A new (still small) eagle is substituted for the 1794-95 version. Well struck in all areas, Liberty displays her hair curls to full effect on this sharp AU50 specimen. The eagle, too, is finely detailed. Moreover -- and benefitting prospective buyers -- the original planchet must have met the weight standard and so there was no need to "adjust" it. Hence, the surfaces are entirely free of adjustment, a decided bonus in terms of value and, of course, eye-appeal. BB-52 has the Liberty's head centered within the circule of stars, LIBERTY and the date below. A chip out of the die causes a short raised area of metal in the hair to the right of the ribbon on all known specimens, this is a diagnostic of the BB-52 variety (PCGS # 39995) .
In the year 1795, Daniel Boone, aided by "buffalo streets" and Indian trails, created the famous Wilderness Road. This route led the way westward for many future settlers. Boone was captured by the Indians several times but always managed to escape. Less fortunate was his eldest son whom the Indians tortured and killed. Boone's wife and daughter Jemima, were the first white women to see the part of Kentucky around Boonesborough. Settling into quiet domestic life did not appeal to Boone. "Too many people! Too crowded! I want more elbow room." He spent his last years in Missouri hunting and trapping. After a short illness, he died at age 86.
Also in 1795, the first circus arrived in the U. S. Rickett's Circus, an equestrian troupe from England, performed before delighted audiences in New York.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$21,850 |
Lot 882 |
 |
1797 10X6 Stars B-3, BB-71 Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-58. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Die clash marks exist on both sides but are most noticeable on the obverse. This high grade example is lustrous and quite appealing, with luster stretching across the fields, throughout the devices, and limited only on the topmost points of the design. Light silvery gray patina, old-silver in hue, classic appearance of a well-cared for specimen from an old-time collection.
Draped Bust, Small Eagle Type. Obverse 1: 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 imagination is required); the last 7 is high. The star arrangement of 10 stars to the left and six to the right is unique in the dollar series. Obverse die used to strike 1797 BB-71 only.
Reverse A: Large letters in legend. 8 berries in left branch. Leaf ends under middle of E in STATES. Lowest berry near ribbon bow is on outside of wreath. Large planchet. A leaf is almost below the T in UNITED, a berry is under the center of the first T in STATES, another leaf is past the O in OF and another leaf is very close to the R in AMERICA. Three leaves below eagle's right (observer's left) wing. Reverse die used to strike 1797 BB-71 only.
1797 BB-71 is about tied with BB-73 in terms of availability. Estimates are that 1,200 to 2,000 are known. If anything, BB-71 is very slightly scarcer than BB-73 (PCGS # 40004) .
Estimated Value $35,000 - 45,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$34,500 |
Lot 883 |
 |
1798 Small Eagle 13 Obverse Stars B-1, BB-82 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-58. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. A gorgeous example of this desirable variety. The obverse exhibits an array of colors including gold, blue, olive green, and a trifle of magenta. The reverse toning is particularly impressive. Identifiable by a small planchet flake at the end of the lowest hair ribbon; there are a couple of small marks near the tip of the right wing (facing). Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety.
Obverse 2: 13 Stars (standard star count of the year), arranged 7 left and 6 right. Close date, knob 9, figures 98 close. Squared-off bottom to 7. The space between stars 6 and 7 is wider than the spaces between any stars 1 through 6. On the right, the space between stars 10 and 11 is wider than the spaces between any stars 8 through 13. Ray of star 13 points at junction of bosom and drapery. Obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-82 (earlier use) and BB-91 (later use).
Reverse B: Small Eagle, Large Letters style. Struck from the same die used to strike 1797 BB-73. Eight berries in left branch. Lowest berry near ribbon bow is on inside of wreath. E of STATES lightly repunched. A leaf points to the left corner of the I in UNITED, another leaf points to the left corner of the first T in STATES while another leaf points to the very end of the O in OF. Another leaf is positioned away from the R in AMERICA.
This reverse die was used earlier to strike 1797 BB-73 dollars, Die States I through IV, then removed from the press and used to strike 1798 BB-82 Die State I (with cracks slightly advanced from 1797 Die State IV) and Die State II (equivalent to 1797 BB-73 Die State V), then the striking of 1798 BB-82 dollars was discontinued, and the reverse die was re-mated with the same 1797 obverse, and additional 1797 BB-73 dollars were struck. Reverse die used to strike 1797 BB-73 and 1798 BB-82.
Of the two 1798 die varieties with Small Eagle reverse (BB-81 and BB-82), 1798 BB-82 is the more plentiful, but only by a slight margin. 1798 BB-82 is the only 1798-dated dollar with 13 obverse stars in combination with the Small Eagle reverse; all others are mated with the Heraldic Eagle reverse.
An estimated 700 to 1,000 1798 BB-82 silver dollars exist. Several hundred specimens exist, most of which are VF. EF examples are quite scarce, and any coin in better grade is rare (PCGS # 40006) .
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$356,500 |
Lot 884 |
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1798 Large Eagle B-3, BB-94 Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-50. Was previously in an NGC AU55 holder. A lovely example exhibiting golden shades and a touch of blue-green hues about the border. What an astonishing, full-featured example this is, of the best possible quality for its high-end AU50 grade, a coin whose lovely medium gray surfaces play host to robust detail, smooth, mar-free beauty, and exceptional strike on the stars, rims, and all main devices.
Knob 9 in date. This obverse is paired with Reverse E: Star distant from eagle's beak; ray of that star points to I in PLURIBUS. Arc star pattern. Three stars on left between eagle's beak and clouds form a right triangle with the hypotenuse parallel (more or less) to the top of the eagle's wing. Leaf points to space between I and R in AMERICA. Berry distant from and under left foot of A. Stem of branch curves outward. Reverse die used to strike 1798 BB-94 (earliest state), BB-95 (intermediate state), and BB-102 (final state).
In the context of 1798 Heraldic Eagle dollars, BB-94 is one of the rarer varieties. Probably, somewhat over 150 are known, most of which are in lower grades up through Very Fine. At the EF level, BB-94 is rare, and higher grade pieces are rarer still. The only Uncirculated piece is that in the Bolender Collection, 1952, since untraced; the grade equivalent of this coin today is not known (PCGS # 6873) .
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
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$10,350 |
Lot 885 |
 |
1798 5 Lines B-6, BB-96 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 2; 1 finer in 61 for the variety. Lustrous with golden tones throughout. Quite a desirable example with all the finer design elements clearly displayed, including complete E PLURIBUS UNUM on the scroll.
Line star pattern on reverse. Large Letters reverse, 5 lines in each shield element.
This obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-95 (early state only) and BB-96 (early state and late state).
Reverse F: Large Letters reverse from 1796 type font (larger interior space in A, open S, etc.); 5 lines in each vertical shield element. This was one of the first Heraldic Eagle reverse dies cut in early 1798 according to researchers. A ray of a star is near center of space between two parts of eagle's beak, but does not touch; star ray points to between B and U. Line star pattern. Leaf points to center of I in AMERICA. Only 10 perfect arrows, and two sticks (one stick is located between the 2nd and 3rd arrow shaft from the left and the other is between the 2nd and 3rd from the right). Often found with very heavy denticles and weakness of strike at the centers. The base of the first A in AMERICA is joined solid.
1798 BB-96 is of medium scarcity within the context of varieties of this date, with an estimated population of 500 to 800 pieces. As is true of most other dollars of this era, the VF category is the most populous. EF examples are in the distinct minority, and AU coins are rarer yet (PCGS # 40011) .
Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$12,075 |
Lot 886 |
 |
1798 B-20, BB-102 Rarity 5. PCGS graded EF-45 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer at PCGS for the variety, 1 in 50, 1 in 58. Both sides display antique grey toning with a hint of magenta and blue iridescence scattered here and there, pleasing overall "antique" effect with lighter rubbed silver high points on the design. All in keeping with the consistent high quality demanded by our consignor, who chose only problem-free, original specimens for the most part to include in his variety set(s).
BB-102 is in the medium range of scarcity among silver dollars of 1798. Probably somewhere around 75 to 125 are known. The variety is one of only a few with an average grade below the VF level. A review of auction appearances demonstrates that here is a variety for which EF and AU are remarkable grades. Exactly why 1798 BB-102 should be so elusive in any grade above VF is one of those mysteries that makes collecting early dollars so interesting. The answer probably lies in the method of distribution (PCGS # 40019) .
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Ex: Miller/Hesselgesser Collection.
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$9,488 |
Lot 887 |
 |
1798 B-20, BB-102 Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-50. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 1 finer in 58 for the variety. Calming golden tones lightly accent both sides of this almost uncirculated example. Quite attractive inasmuch as it shows lustrous around the main devices, and within those devices, choice, injury-free rims, and smooth, clean surfaces.
Devices are sharp in all areas, as struck, as desired by collectors, which the grading service has taken into consideration in assigning the grade, as also desired by collectors. About the only area on the reverse where one can say the sharpness might be better is along the edge of the left wing where PLURIBUS crosses. BB-102 is in the medium range of scarcity among silver dollars of 1798. Probably somewhere around 75 to 125 are known.
Later die state with a heavy rim break (which in its early development is often mistaken for a bruise or a nick) below the eagle's tail, extending to the last A in AMERICA (PCGS # 40019) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser/Queller Collection.
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$7,188 |
Lot 888 |
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1798 B-19, BB-106 Rarity 5 PCGS graded Genuine. Our grade is Sharpness of AU. Cleaned. Each side is deeply toned displaying gold, magenta, blue, and russet colors. Pointed Tail 9; Heraldic Eagle. 1798 BB-106 is one of the rarer varieties of the year. An estimated 80 to 140 exist. Arc star pattern on reverse. From Obverse 8: Wide date, distant from bust. 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. Obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-106 only (PCGS # 40023) .
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$2,415 |
Lot 889 |
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1798 B-10, BB-109 Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-50. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. The obverse exhibits shades of russet, violet, and blue-green about the borders while the reverse displays similar hues scattered throughout. A long adjustment line crosses the reverse from O(F) through the scroll and into the shield below, which will serve as an identifier of this particular specimen.
1798 BB-109 is a scarce issue. Estimates are that 75 to 125 exist, nearly all of which are in lower grades. Opinions concerning the rarity of this variety have been the subject of debate. Bolender suggested Rarity-4 (76 to 200 known, if he used the Sheldon Scale), which may be correct at the rarer end of the spread. Others have suggested that fewer than 30 exist. BB-109 is almost always weakly struck on the eagle and at the center of the bust (the latter, as here) (PCGS # 40026) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$11,213 |
Lot 890 |
 |
1798 B-11, BB-111 Rarity 3. PCGS graded EF-45. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS for the variety. A trace of golden toning accents the luster in the protected areas quite nicely. The rest of the coin exhibits soothing antique gray coloration. A small mark above the hair ribbon serves to identify this coin.
Medium wide date, 10 mm. across at bottom widest place. First star about as far from curl as upper right star is from Y. The upper left star is closer to L in LIBERTY and about the same distance as last star is from bust. On the left, stars 2-3, 3-4, and 6-7 are spaced wider apart than are the others. On the right, stars 8, 9, 10, and 11 are spaced farther from each other than are stars 11-12 and 12-13. A small clash mark shows just beneath ribbon bow along two highest curls at back of head. Obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-111 only. Medium scarcity (PCGS # 40028) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$5,463 |
Lot 891 |
 |
1798 B-31, BB-115 Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 2; 2 finer in 53 for the variety. Pleasing antique grey toning covers both sides of this attractive example. A hint of golden coloration is visible here and there.
Extensive die cracks on reverse. Heavy crack from border down through right side of 0 to cloud; another crack from border to top of F to wing, down to cloud below, from border at right wing tip through A under MERICA across claw, stem, and tail; continuing under UNI, across bottom of TED, left wing tip, center of STA. Also four curved die cracks down from TES through stars. All seen are very weak above the eagle's head and at the corresponding obverse. The die could not have been used much longer than this die state.
1798 BB-115 is known to the extent of about 175 to 300 coins, and is one of the more elusive issues of 1798. Most are of Die State IV (see above). Most are in lower grades. The auction listing for an Uncirculated piece is several decades old, and in the absence of contradictory information, I call it EF45 in the Condition Census.
It is a small wonder that even as many as 175 or so coins are known, considering that Haseltine in 1881 did not know of the variety. It was a rarity in M.H. Bolender's eyes, and in 1950 he estimated that no more than a dozen existed of each of the two die states of which he was aware. Since then, dozens more have been discovered (PCGS # 40032) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$8,913 |
Lot 892 |
 |
1798 B-12, BB-120 Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. A magnificent uncirculated example. Sensational eye appeal! This coin exhibits booming mint luster and lovely toning. Golden tones blanket both sides spectacularly. A hint of iridescent blue and magenta can be seen scattered throughout.
A wonderful coin and one of the more amazing examples of this date known. The coin is toned in rich orange-gold with a patch of light silver-blue on the upper obverse. The reverse is more evenly blended and matches to orange-gold found on the obverse. The fields show substantial mint luster beneath while the strike is very sharp for this or any 1798 Bust dollar. Liberty's curls are sharp; they show the desired division not only near her temple but also below her ear, both areas which are frequently poorly struck up. On the reverse the eagle and shield are mostly full, but the stars and portions of the eagle's head are weakly struck, in part due to adjustment marks in that area, but this is also quite normal for this die pairing which is always found weak on the stars over the eagle's head. Without question, this is one of the finest 1798 silver dollars known. The fields and devices of this coin take the breath away, and such quality is rarely seen on any United States silver coin of this decade. For identification purposes, we note a very minor nick on the back of Liberty's neck just touching her hair curl below her ear, and on the reverse by a singular scratch (possibly an adjustment mark) down from the third star, through the back of the eagle's head, grazing the left side of the first U of UNUM, through the horizontal shield lines where it fades away.
From the Heritage description of 2005, we quote: "The die state is quite late for this variety and both the obverse and reverse die show several thin die cracks and these are described in detail as this may be the only coin to show some of these die cracks. On the obverse the usually seen die crack extends up from the rim between the 79 of the date, there is an additional faint crack from the rim to the right side of the 9 which extends into the field above that digit. Below the lower left curl of Liberty there is a very faint short die crack, another longer crack extends up to the second curl from the bottom of Liberty's head and is there joined by a heavier die crack which curls into the field through Liberty's neck. Yet another vertical crack branches from the previous crack very close to the dentil, through the first star at the inner two points up into the field behind Liberty's ribbon. A complex crack extends up through the last four stars on the obverse, and branches with one horizontal line through most of Liberty's bust, another branch slides down through her drapery to the rim below. One additional faint crack is seen running below Liberty's ear through her curls pointing to the rim below the first star. On the reverse a number of cracks are seen there, on through the tops of UN, middle of IT, base of ED to the tops of STA and out the rim over the final S of STATES. Another die crack through AM into the field below. There is no evidence of die clashing on the obverse or reverse die. No pedigree information was included with the present coin and plate matching was unsuccessful to a number of significant Bust dollar sales." (PCGS # 40037) .
Estimated Value $100,000 - 120,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection; ex Heritage 11/2005; Jack Lee Collection III.
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$106,375 |
Lot 893 |
 |
1798 B-9, BB-121 Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-58. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. A sharp strike for the variety. Attractive shades of gold and russet can be seen scattered throughout. Bold centers including the shield and neck feathers on the eagle, with complete E PLURIBUS UNUM impressed into the ribbon. Nearly full stars above the eagle. Sharp rims, beautiful toning.
1798 BB-121 has an estimated population of 300 to 500 pieces, enough that the specialist can find one with some searching, and probably will have to pay no more than a "type" price. Most specimens of BB-121 are seen in lower grade levels, though. The variety becomes a rarity in About Uncirculated grade and may be unknown in full Mint State, if today's strict grading interpretations are used (PCGS # 40038) .
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
Ex: Cardinal/Hesselgesser Collection.
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$17,825 |
Lot 894 |
 |
1799 Irregular Date B-15, BB-152 Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Absolutely phenomenal cartwheel luster! This coin has anything that even the most discerning collector could ever dream of. The dazzling eye appeal truly sets this beauty apart from the rest. While viewing this astounding creation one can hardly turn away. With such pizzazz this marvelous example is deserving of a strong bid. An opportunity to own such a fantastic piece is few and far between.
This charming, Finest Known example includes the famous "Blundered Stars Reverse" with a line star pattern on the reverse (only 1799 of this style).
The obverse first appears in 1799 BB-151 and is known in numismatic circles as the Irregular Date. The obverse die was used to strike 1799 BB-151 (first use), BB-152 (intermediate use), and BB-153 (final use).
The Reverse is from 1798. Struck from the same die as BB-123 and BB-124 of the 1798 dollars, the 5 berries are the smallest of any variety of the 1799 date (just like BB-164 has the largest berries of any variety of the 1799 date). A die crack joins the stem end to the border below. As mentioned above, this is a significant variety as the only 1799 dollar with a "line pattern " of stars on the reverse. Most seen are very weakly struck on the reverse stars (but not as weak as on 1798 BB-124, on which the weakness was caused by an extensively damaged lower right obverse die being opposite on the coin). Far right edge of A is over cloud 3. Reverse die used to strike 1798 BB-123 (earliest state), BB-124 (intermediate state, now relapped); and 1799 BB 152 (latest state) (PCGS # 40045) .
Estimated Value $120,000 - 140,000.
Ex: Cardinal/Hesselgesser Collection.
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$115,000 |
Lot 895 |
 |
1799 B-18, BB-154 Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 3; none finer at PCGS for the variety. The obverse is deeply toned with lovely deep and saturated shades of blue, gold, and russet. The reverse exhibits primarily golden hues. Centers a little weak due to uneven metal flowing into the deepest die recesses; outer margins away from the center increasingly sharp to needle-sharp with full-featured milling at the border and unimpeachable stars to either side of Liberty.
A rare die pairing, on this obverse (Bowers' Obverse 3 designation), star 8 is farther from Y than the first star from curl, or than star 7 is from L, or the last star from bust. The highest curl on top of head is centered under right the edge of E and the space between E and R, the farthest right of any 1799 obverse. This is the same die used for BB-155. The first three obverse stars show light repunching (visible on high-grade specimens). On the left, stars 2 and 3 are much closer than are any other stars to each other; stars 4-5 and 6-7 have the widest spacing. On the right, stars 8-9 and 9-10 are more closely spaced than are the other star pairs.
Reverse F (exclusive to BB-154) has a heavy die crack between E and D through the left wing, to the top of the shield -- the best aid to identifying the variety. Lighter cracks usually through TATES O, from lower part of F to top of A, from border above R, top of I, through CA, stem end, tail, up through NIT. Small point at stem end. A does not touch feathers. Leaf points below left side of upright of I in AMERICA. Point of star touches lower point of eagle's beak. The U and the T in UNITED are repunched. Far right edge of A is over cloud 3. "Usually weakly struck at reverse center," says Bowers, and that applies to this high quality specimen (PCGS # 40046) .
Later die state with extensive cracks through STATES O and from rim between ED into wing and shield. Several other reverse cracks noted as wel such as from the rim above R through those letters, crossing branch tip and tail to feather ends.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$7,763 |
Lot 896 |
 |
1799 B-5, BB-157 Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Gorgeous lilac toning and lustrous fields make this near mint state example quite desirable. A beautiful high grade example of the variety.
One of the more plentiful 1799 varieties. On the obverse, the U in UNITED is imperfect at upper left, the vertical element being cut off at the upper left side, taking with it the upper left serif; a defective punch was employed (used on three different dies to strike BB-157; BB-158, BB-159, BB-160, and BB-161; and BB-168). Leaf points almost under left side of upright of I in AMERICA. All six upper stars touch clouds, the two on right each having two points touching, and other four have one point touching (the star that is below clouds 2-3 nearly touches 3). Far right edge of A is over junction of clouds 3 and 4. Point of star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak; ray points directly to center of left upright of U in PLURIBUS. A touches third feather.
The reverse is similar to the die used to coin BB-158 (later, BB-159, BB-160, and BB-161), a die which must have been made about the same time, but can be easily distinguished. On BB-157, the two upper stars on the right have two points which touch clouds 7 and 8. On BB-158, etc., the upper right star has only one point which touches cloud 8. Reverse die used to strike 1799 BB-157 only (PCGS # 40049) .
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$18,975 |
Lot 897 |
 |
1799 8X5 Stars B-23, BB-159 Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-53. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer at PCGS for the variety, 1 in 55, 1 in 58. Lovely multi-dimensional coloration graces both sides of this attractive example. The devices are marginally soft on the high points but all design features remain smooth and unimpaired by marks or mishandling -- a major benefit to someone who is looking for a properly graded PCGS example of this Red Book variety.
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. Obverse die used to strike 1799 BB-159 only (PCGS # 40063) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$10,063 |
Lot 898 |
 |
1799 B-17, BB-164 Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-50. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 2; 3 finer at PCGS for the variety, 1 in 53, 1 in 58, 1 in 62. Appealing lilac tones cover both sides. A substantial amount of luster can be seen throughout. The BB-164 reverse has five extremely large berries in olive branch, the largest on any 1799 dollar. The two upper berries are partly buried in the leaves. Point of star enters eagle's mouth, upper part of beak closing down on star. The point of the star almost touches lower part of beak; ray points to left edge of left serif of U in PLURIBUS. Leaf points near left corner of I in AMERICA. A does not touch feathers. Very short stem in claw; shortest stem on any 1799 reverse.
Unique to this reverse are raised die flaws resembling an equal sign (=) at an angle under the star that straddles clouds 2 and 3. An incuse die mark at the upper left corner of the leftmost cloud is present on the early die state; the second S in STATES is repunched at the inside of its lower loop. Far right edge of A is over junction of clouds 3 and 4. The letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM seem larger and in some instances differently proportioned on this reverse (and also on BB-162, a different die), in comparison to the other reverses of the year. Are they just more deeply raised on the die or was this from a different set of letter punches? (PCGS # 40055) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$6,600 |
Lot 899 |
 |
1799 B-8, BB-165 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer at PCGS for the variety, 1 in 53, 1 in 62. Compelling blue shades accompanied by golden tones can be seen about the borders here and there on both sides. The surfaces underneath are extremely appealing to the numismatist's critical eye. There are no overt marks, no corrosion, but instead just plain, beautiful smoothness with natural color as acquired over many decades in a collector's coin cabinet.
1799 BB-165 is one of the more plentiful varieties among dollars of this date. About 600 to 1,000 are known today. Most are in worn grades, with the norm being Very Fine. A few Mint State coins exist (PCGS # 40056) .
Die characteristics: Liberty with open mouth. First star is slightly farther from curl than last star is from bust, or about 2 mm. from curl. The 7th star is slightly closer to L than 8th star is to Y. There is a die chip between star 9 and the border. Star 10 is slightly repunched on its innermost ray. On the left, the stars are fairly evenly spaced. On the right, stars 10 and 11 are significantly closer than any of the others. Highest curl on top of head is centered more under right half of E in LIBERTY. Die flaws on the reverse, inside and to right top of final S in STATES. Far right edge of A is over junction of clouds 3 and 4. Point of star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak; ray points to left of left upright of U in PLURIBUS. Leaf points slightly right of center of I in AMERICA. AME join at lowest part. The N in UNITED was initially cut upside down and later corrected. The only date and variety that uses these dies.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$6,038 |
Lot 900 |
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1799 B-22, BB-168 Rarity 5. PCGS graded EF-45. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 1 finer in 50 for the variety. Lovely antique grey, gold, and a trifle of subtle blue toning is evident on both sides. The detail above the die crack on the reverse is quite impressive.
From the same Obverse 10 used to strike BB-167, there are two raised die flaws in the field, or "tears," before the eye, one very clear. The smaller is in the field close to and opposite to the bottom of the forehead, just above the bridge of the nose. The larger and by far the most notable is in the field about 40% of the way from the nose bridge to star 9. The last star is near the bust (about 0.5 mm.) and a little closer than the 8th star is to Y. The 7th star is farther from L, while the first star is nearly 2 mm. from the curl. Stars 11, 12, and 13 point to spaces between denticles. A small die flaw is visible in the field to left of a ray of star 8 closest to the bottom of Y. The last 9 is about as near bust as star 8 is to Y. Die flaw from outer point of 10th star. According to Bowers, "All examples are weakly struck on the hair."
Unique to this variety is Reverse P: Horizontal die crack entirely across center of reverse, from right side of E to left side of M. One arrow extends slightly past right side of upright of N. Star touches lower point of eagle's beak; ray points to left upright of U in PLURIBUS. Leaf point is slightly right of being under center of I in AMERICA. Letter A touches only 3rd feather. U in UNITED is cut off at upper left. It appears there was a defective U-punch (used on three different dies to strike BB-157; BB-158, 159, 161 and 162; and BB-168). The far right edge of A is over cloud 3. This reverse die used to strike 1799 BB-168 only.
"With a known population estimated to be in the range of 300 to 500 coins, 1799 BB-168 is at once elusive but sufficiently available that every serious specialist can own one. Most specimens are in lower grades through VF. EF coins are very rare. AU coins? Where are they? Mint State? Forget it." (PCGS # 40059) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$4,313 |
Lot 901 |
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1799. . BB-155, die crack at stars 1-3. PCGS graded VF-30 CAC Approved. Evenly toned with natural wear, the highest points of the design being light silvery in color, deepening to normal antique gray and dark gray elsewhere (PCGS # 6878) .
Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200.
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$2,415 |
Lot 902 |
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1799. . BB-164, die state IV. PCGS graded VF-35. Well struck with plenty of detail for the given grade; all, overlaid with a pleasing even antique grayish-blue tone. Later die state in which a crack develops from rim up through the space between I and C on the reverse, extending into the shield above (PCGS # 6878) .
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200.
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$2,645 |
Lot 903 |
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1800 B-12, BB-184 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-55. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Mostly untoned with a minute splash of blue coloration here and there. Quite lustrous, well centered with long dentils providing a picture-frame border for the inner design. Surfaces smooth and mar-free. A winner in anyone's book!
What distinguishes this BB variety is its reverse: A die dot inside the lower part of E in UNITED, and a more prominent die flaw at the lower left side of E in AMERICA. A flaw or crack like a single quotation mark or line is visible to the upper left of U in UNITED. These things quickly distinguish this reverse from all others. Left side of N in UNUM about in a line with edge of eagle 's neck the only 1800 reverse for which this is true. Smallest letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM of any reverse die used this year. The berries are small. Leaf point under left side of upright of I in AMERICA. Point of upper part of eagle's beak shuts down near point of star. A does not touch feathers, and AME do not join. A over clouds 2 (partly) and 3 (mostly). Tip of arrowhead under right upright of U in UNITED. The U in UNITED is defective at its upper left corner, from a broken punch (as with 1799 reverses H, I and P), but was hand-corrected by its engraver; thus, this is possibly one of the earliest 1800 dies. The fact that all but two 1799 reverses had small letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM also reinforces this suggestion. This reverse die used to strike 1800 BB-184 only (PCGS # 40070) .
Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$14,375 |
Lot 904 |
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1800 B-16, BB-187 Rarity 2. NGC graded EF-45. Lovely antique grey coloration with a minute trace of golden accents, the fields are smooth and injury-free, as are the rims which feature sharpness and freedom from problems (the way collectors like it). About as fully struck as these are normally found, with just terrific detail in the stars, Liberty's hair, and on the eagle where the stars above the eagle are finely detailed, and all shield lines show. A few of the lower feathers in the wings are slightly flattened but still show partial detail. All in all this is a very nice representative Draped Bust, Large Eagle dollar that any collector would enjoy owning.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
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$4,600 |
Lot 905 |
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1800 B-8, BB-188 Rarity 4. PCGS graded VF-35. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer in 53 for the variety. Golden tones paired with a trace of magenta blanket both sides beautifully.
BB-188 is a scarce variety with perhaps 150 to 275 pieces known. 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 (this same characteristic is true of the different obverse used to strike BB-193). Mouth of Liberty closed. Star 7 is closer to L, by a tiny amount, than star 8 is to Y, and star 13 is separated from the bust even farther, and the hair from star 1 farther yet. On the left, stars 1-2 and 2-3 are closer together than are any other stars. On the right, stars 10-11 and 12-13 are wider apart than are any other stars. Stars 2-3 and 11-12 are slightly misaligned in relation to each other.
Reverse E: Three upper stars on right on reverse do not touch clouds. Three upper stars on left on reverse each have one point touching clouds. Leaf points slightly left of center of I in AMERICA. Star enters eagle's mouth, upper part of beak closing down on side of star point. Letter A just touches 3rd and 4th feathers. AME do not join each other. Very large berries. A over clouds 2 and 3. Tip of arrowhead under center of U in UNITED. This reverse die used to strike 1800 BB-188 only (PCGS # 40074) .
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$3,220 |
Lot 906 |
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1800 B-5, BB-189 Rarity 5. NGC graded AU-55. Nice golden toning on both sides. Pop 2; 2 finer in 58 for the variety. Well struck on a smooth, defect-free planchet. Scarce, with 200 to 350 examples known (usually well worn, rarely in AU grades). Shares an obverse with BB-188, but now Reverse F: A die flaw just to left of lower part of second T in STATES quickly identifies this reverse, the die also used for BB-190. Star enters eagle's mouth, the upper part of beak touching star. All the stars above firmly touch clouds, except the star under cloud 7 which is very close. Leaf points under left side of upright of I. The A touches both 3rd and 4th feathers, AM joined at lower part. Center of A over cloud 3. Tip of arrowhead under left side of right upright of U in UNITED. Reverse die used to strike 1800 BB-189 (earlier use) and BB-190 (later use).
Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$7,763 |
Lot 907 |
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1800. . BB-187. PCGS graded VF-25. Light even antique grayish toning with clean, mar-free surfaces and pleasing originality. The obverse of BB-187 has a close date, 1 almost touches curl. The 8 is too low, and top tipped too much to right. Last O near bust. Diagnostic are some die flaws between top of R and T in LIBERTY. Same reverse as BB-185 and BB-186 (PCGS # 6887) .
Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800.
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$2,013 |
Lot 908 |
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1800 12 Arrows B-17, BB-196 Rarity 1. PCGS graded AU-53 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer at PCGS for the variety, 1 in 55, 1 in 62. Golden colors and antique grey tones blanket both sides nicely. The fields smooth and free of problems, the eye-appeal second to none for a higher quality BB-196 Bust Dollar!
A "collar" (clash mark) shows along neck about half the length of bust, due to clashing from the reverse die. A line extends to left from just above foot of 1 in date. Upper left star very distant from L, almost as far as first star is from hair, between 2 and 3 mm. 180 in date close, 1 originally cut too far to the left. Obverse die used to strike 1800 BB-196 only.
Reverse: Only 12 arrows. Point of star touches point of upper part of eagle's beak. Leaf point is under left side of stand of I in AMERICA. Center of A over cloud 3. Tip of arrowhead under right upright of U in UNITED. Reverse die used to strike 1800 BB-196 only (PCGS # 40079) .
Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$7,200 |
Lot 909 |
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1801 B-2, BB-212 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer in 63 for the variety. A magnificent coin loaded with pizzazz and sensational eye appeal! Quite lustrous. Each side exhibits marvelous rainbow toning that warrants spirited bidding. An impressive example that would be a fantastic addition to a world-class collection.
Condition Census. The population of 1801 BB-212 is about 500 to 900, as estimated by the Bowers Encyclopedia of Silver Dollars, or about the same as 1801 BB-211. These two varieties are the two most populous of the year. However, of the four business strike varieties of the date, none is a rarity. "Examples are quite rare AU or finer." (PCGS # 40084) .
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$21,850 |
Lot 910 |
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1801 B-3, BB-213 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-53 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 3; 2 finer at PCGS for the variety, 1 in 55, 1 in 62. Lustrous with lovely golden and russet hues scattered throughout. The reverse, used only on BB-213, has a point of a star touching the outside of the upper part of the eagle's beak. Right foot of all T's missing, the result of a broken punch (apparently, this die was made immediately after the die for 1801 BB-214, which has a partially broken lower right serif). A touches 3rd feather only. 13 arrows. AM joined at base, E extremely close (Bolender said it is joined). Leaf touches I in AMERICA slightly right of center of base. Star under cloud 7 double punched (an interesting error, but a rare one; it is a wonder that more stars were not double punched c. 1798-1803).
Bowers Encyclopedia note: "As 1801 BB-213 was struck after 1801 BB-212 (per obverse die state evidence), and as 1801 BB-212 was struck no earlier than 1802, it follows that 1801 BB-213 was also struck no earlier than 1802. Reverse die used to strike 1801 BB-213 only."
Bowers estimates that about 425 to 800 examples are known of the 1801 BB-213 dollar today. This is just slightly more available than BB-214, and each of these two varieties is less abundant than 1801 BB-211 and BB-212. Again, the issue is scarce in higher grades such as About Uncirculated. "Although a number of Mint State coins have crossed the block, these date from before 1986 when the change in grading interpretations took place." (PCGS # 40085) .
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$8,338 |
Lot 911 |
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1802 B-6, BB-241. PCGS graded MS-63 CAC Approved. Well struck and fully lustrous with attractive soft multi-color hues on both sides. Definitely a Premium Quality coin for the given grade. A broken T in LIBERTY, missing its right foot, is the main feature of the 1802 Narrow Date dollar. It is a variety plentiful in all grades except Mint condition, and ranks among the finest produced Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle die varieties. For this reason alone it is one to choose for a representative Type Set or Bust Dollar date collection. Examples that grade MS63 or higher are scarcely common (see the posted PCGS census below).
The advanced collector will want to examine this piece to note its exceptional surfaces and sharp design. As an added piece of eye-candy, there is the usual die crack from the left border to the second wing feather present, there is another crack from the bottom edge of the third feather to the ribbon, crossing and impacting the P in PLURIBUS. The presence or absence of this crack aids in determining the order that six varieties were struck using this single die. According to comments by Dave Bowers made in his Silver Dollar Encyclopedia: "The production of 1801, 1802, and 1803 dollars seems to have been done with the obverse dies mixed, as evident by the primary use of just two reverse dies with a much larger number of obverses."
This piece is delightfully attractive with its silvery surfaces and frosty mint luster. The strike is bold central and peripheral details present on both sides. No annoying marks are evident with or without a glass, the surfaces being engagingly clean. A few subtle wisps of champagne toning found their way onto the surface on each side. Pop 9; 2 in 64, 5 in 65 (PCGS # 40087) .
Cheese eaters of the world Unite, you will want to mark this memorable event from the year 1802: The Cheshire Mammoth Cheese. Yes, the CMC was a gift from the town of Cheshire, Massachusetts to President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. The cheese was created by combining the milk from every cow in the town, or so the history tells us, and made in a makeshift cheese press to handle the cheese's size. The cheese bore the Jeffersonian motto "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God." (Imagine stamping that onto a cheese today, you'd be handcuffed as a food terrorist!)
The final product weighed between 1200 and 1600 pounds, was four feet wide, and fifteen inches thick. Due to its size, it could not safely be transported on wheels, so the town hired a sleigh to bring it to Washington, D.C. during the snowy winter months. With local church pastor John Leland steering the sleigh, the three week, 500 mile trip became an event from town to town as word spread about the gift.
The cheese was eventually presented to Jefferson on January 1, 1802. Leland considered the cheese an act of "profound respect…to the popular ratification of his election." The cheese would remain at the White House for over two years, having been featured in a public dinner for an Independence Day celebration in 1803, eventually being replaced by the "Mammoth Loaf," a large loaf of bread made by the United States Navy out of a barrel full of flour.
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
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Lot 912 |
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1802 B-6, BB-241 Rarity 1 PCGS graded Genuine. Our grade is Sharpness of AU-58. Both sides are deeply toned with shades of blue, magenta, and a trifle of golden coloration. Very sharp detail on the devices, plus clear, unbroken rims -- the way collectors prefer their coins. Should be appealing to a wide range of buyers (PCGS # 40088) .
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$3,105 |
Lot 913 |
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1803 Small 3 B-5, BB-252 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer in 53 for the variety. Olive-green, gold, and antique grey tones are visible on both sides. The striking detail is immeasurably finer than average for this series, with all but one or two stars on the left side showing full star points. Lovely colors. Equally splendid surface originalilty that is free from injury (as are the rims, which are choice throughout).
Thin top to 3, the 3 is too high. Figures of the date are all close, as though the engraver had to utilize the small space under the bust. Stars 8 and 13 are about equidistant from Y and bust on this variety, and much closer than stars 1 and 7 are from hair and L. On the left, star pairs 23 and 5-6 are closest, while stars 6-7 are noticeably wider than any of the others. On the right, stars 1011 and 12-13 are wider apart than any others, but not by much. The 3 almost touches bust, and 1 is near curl. This obverse die used to strike 1803 BB-252 only (PCGS # 40097) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$10,500 |
Lot 914 |
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1803 Small 3 B-3, BB-256 Rarity 6. PCGS graded VF-20. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Soothing antique grey hues blanket both sides. A splash of gold and blue toning can be seen here and there about the borders.
As 1803 BB-256 stands alone without die linkage to any other 1803 dollars, it is not possible to determine the striking sequence within the year.
Obverse 6: Thin top to 3, position of 3 similar to 1803 BB-251, but star 8 is more distant from Y. Close date. On the left, stars 1 and 2 are more widely separated than are any others. Obverse die used to strike 1803 BB-256 only.
Reverse C: AM touch at base. Point of star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak. Very short stem in claw. Right edge of right foot of A over edge of cloud 4 (the only such instance for a dollar of 1803). Reverse die used to strike 1803 BB-256 only.
The 1803 BB-256 is the second rarest die variety of the year (after BB-253, if BB-253 exists). Bowers puts an estimate of 30 to 60 known, observing that "Examples seldom surface on the market. This issue is one that the specialist would be well advised to acquire in any condition, using leisure time to upgrade if the opportunity is presented." (PCGS # 40100) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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$6,900 |
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