Lot 1300
1799 B-22, BB-168 Normal Date 7X6 Stars Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-50. Subset of PCGS # 40043. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. A glossy coin and a first-rate one in its grade by any benchmark. What's more, this has an engaging veil of pale golden that soar across the center, leaving the neutral gray surfaces elsewhere smooth and free of marks. The strike is affected by the major die break on the reverse and is more than acceptable for the variety, with just a touch of softening on the hair curls and elsewhere.
On this reverse, Reverse P there is a 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; made from defective punch (used on three different dies to strike BB-157; BB-158, 159, 161 and 162; and BB-168). Far right edge of A is over cloud 3. This reverse die was used to strike 1799 BB-168 only and its demise and withdrawal from use no doubt caused the limited availability.
With a known population estimated to be in the range of 31 to 75 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 Very Fine, however. EF coins are very rare. "AU coins?" asks Bowers in his encyclopedia. "Where are they?" Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 40059) .
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $6,325 |
