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Sale 65
Lot 5001
1795 B-3, BB-11 Flowing Hair 2 Leaves Rarity 5. PCGS graded EF-40. CAC Approved. Subset of PCGS # 6853. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Both sides display pleasing antique gray with golden undertones laid delicately throughout. Head of 1794. This is a splendid specimen whose deeper gray veil of toning in areas on both sides accents the base color. Well struck for the variety, certainly much better-quality than similar high-end uncertified examples offered in recent years; we find it worthy of strong bidder support. The fields are immaculate. The rims impeccable. (We could say if we had a mind to that the eagleís beak point is impeccable as well, but that might be taking a pun too far.) Rims are "unbroken" by the way -- a term not in common use here in America but important all the same to collectors worldwide who tend to shy away from rim marks, defects, and bumps on their coins. The rims, as we say, are impeccable. Dentils are full on both sides as well. The eye appeal on this one cannot be surpassed. There is a decidedly noticeable die crack on the reverse which no doubt puts an exclamation point for BB-11's reverse may not have lasted very long.
Die notes: Obverse 1: Flowing hair in six curls; the third one from the top turns downward and touches the fourth curl. Two points of first star touch the lowest curl which ends at star point. The last star or lowest one on the right is mostly under the bust, and a point nearly touches. Close date; outlines from repunching appear at top of 5 and right top of 7 (most visible on early impressions from the die). I closer to L than to B with L slightly low. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-11, BB-12, and BB-13.
Reverse A: Two leaves under each wing. The only variety with 16 berries, eight on each branch of wreath. There are only two berries on left branch, between eagle's wing and ribbon bow, both on inside of wreath. Reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-11 only.
The Bowers encyclopedia has the best explanation why collectors may have to search for years before finding a nice BB-11 example: "One of the more elusive issues of the Flowing Hair type. Not that it makes any difference to its price, for BB-11 sells for not much more than a common issue, but is at least twice as rare as a 1794 dollar. Such comparisons make interesting reading in auction catalogues." Approximately 31 to 75 are estimated to exist.
"The population of 1795 BB-11 seems to be clustered around the VF level which, of course, covers a fairly wide range (VF20 to just below EF40). Specimens are not easy to locate, and often a year will pass on the calendar without a single piece crossing the auction block. Perhaps only one Mint State coin is known." Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 39978) .
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $19,550 |
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