Lot 2872
1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Large date, small letters. Rarity 2/3. PCGS graded EF-45. Attractive toning on both sides. An extra bold strike on this popular large date, small letters Red Book variety, with exquisite fields supporting attractive, smooth (unmarred) devices. A rarity in such outstanding condition. This is the third and final Small Letters reverse die in the series. The "large" size of the date is not immediately clear, but upon study, the digits are slightly larger, and are in the numeral size used the following year, 1797. The 6 in date plainly shows it was double punched; this is visible at the underside of the top of the 6 and the upper inside of the bottom loop. Stars at right are very closely spaced and touch or nearly touch their neighboring stars. Highest wave of hair is below upright of E and is very indistinct, probably due to very light relapping.
Bowers believes that this obverse was probably the final die cut in the 1796 year. Further, the lower right tip of R in LIBERTY is broken; the latest state of any of the four 1796 obverses. This obverse die used to strike 1796 BB-65 only.
The small letters reverse has a leaf under A of STATES, with seven large berries in wreath, and a very small 8th berry on the inside stem of lowest sprig of leaves on left. Three leaves beneath eagle's right wing, "these having been added by hand in front of the cloud," according to the Bowers bust dollar guide. On BB-65, the eagle is impressed deeply and strongly into the working die; thus, coins from this die have much better breast feather definition than on BB-61 (compare photos in this sale). The wreath on BB-65 differs from any other variety in having several leaves touching letters of the legend. Quickly identifiable by a lump at right top of I in AMERICA; this lump does not touch C in the earlier state of the dies. Pop 1; 3 finer in 55 (PCGS # 40002) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500.
The Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $10,638 |
