Lot 1304
1800 B-20, BB-185 Normal Date Rarity 6. PCGS graded EF-45. Subset of PCGS # 6887. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Minor weakness in centers, as struck. Variegated toning over both sides with russet-gold to light steel-blue predominant. The upper right star on BB-185 is in position similar to the obverse of the 1804 dollars, with two points almost touching Y. This obverse was not known to Haseltine when he compiled his Type-Table in 1881. Obverse die used to strike BB-185 only.
On the reverse, die flaws show at top and to right of ES, easily identifying this die which was also used for BB-186 and BB-187. Lower right serif of F is extremely close to or touches cloud 8; the only reverse of 1800 with this characteristic. Reverse die used to strike 1800 BB-185, BB-186, and BB-187, possibly in that order.
Only about 13 to 30 are known of the 1800 BB-185, believed to be the rarest variety of the year. Bolender knew of only a single undamaged specimen of this variety, stating it was "as rare as an 1804." Since that time, other examples have come to light. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 40071) .
Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $6,900 |
