Lot 1047
1795 Draped Bust $1 B-15, BB-52 Dr Bust. Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-50. Mildly variegated toning whose color ranges from light silvery around the stars, date, legends and devices to uniform smoke-gray with deeper grays, the underlying surface being exceptionally smooth and mark-free. The choice quality of the coin points directly to our consignor's intense interest in "cherry picking" only the most attractive Bust Dollars for his collection -- and it shows! What's more, PCGS has graded a relatively few examples of the BB-52 Centered Draped Bust Type in upper echelons: Pop 1; 3 finer; 1 in 55; 2 in 58. Only 8 examples graded for the variety at PCGS. (PCGS # 39995) .
BB-52 is considerably rarer than BB-51 in AU and Mint State categories. The population of 1795 BB-52 is, perhaps, about two-thirds that of BB-51, but this means that enough exist that just about any motivated collector can, given a reasonable amount of careful searching, obtain one. As is the case with BB-51, most specimens of BB-52 are in the middle circulated grades. Lower grade coins are seldom seen, and pieces in above Extremely Fine 40 are rare as well.
As in the present instance, most examples are reasonably well centered, with sharp details in all areas. Adjustment marks are seen much less often on specimens of BB-52, probably because the striking was better.
It is interesting to note that the obverse die for BB-51, thought to have been struck in larger quantities than BB-52, is known only in a perfect state, while the BB-52 deteriorated almost from the time it was first used. A noticeable die break occurs in Liberty's hair. Similarly, the reverse used to coin the more plentiful BB-51 was not damaged in the process, and went on to be mated in later years with five other obverses; in contrast, the reverse die of BB-52 developed cracks. The difference in durability undoubtedly was caused by better hardening or tempering of the steel in the BB-51 dies.
Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000.
Ex; Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $15,525 |
