Lot 3018
1795. Off-center bust. BB-51; B-14 R2. NGC graded AU-50. Light even toning on both sides with especially clean surfaces plus outstanding visual appeal from the sharp relief seen on both sides. Best of all is the state of the rims, which are full and problem-free. Pop 6; 11 finer for the variety at NGC.
Henry DeSaussure, the Mint Director, responding to criticisms of the Robert Scot design of 1794-5, had a new obverse made based upon a drawing by Gilbert Stuart, the prominent portrait artist whose Washington likeness appears on the $1 bill. It is believed the model for the obverse was Mrs. William Bingham, a famous belle of the day and friend of both Washington and Jefferson. The dies were done by Jacob Eckstein, a German-born specialist, in September to October 1795; he was probably responsible for the redesign of the reverse as well which was undertaken at the same time.
The revised reverse quite possibly was designed to allow fuller striking of both sides with the new obverse; the old reverse would have been so placed as to leave the eagle almost headless on most normal strikes.) The first strikes of the new design took place in October 1795.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
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| Realized $10,925 |
