Lot 5039
1798 B-17, BB-101 Pointed 9, 5 Lines Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-53. Subset of PCGS # 40016. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Smooth amber-golden iridescence permeates the areas around the date and some of the stars this attractively preserved beauty with a life of its own. The reverse has its own character, which includes a similar light to medium base-gray but deepens within the shield to an almost charcoal gray hue. Add a sky-scraping level of detail from a relatively sharp strike and the appeal is very tempting. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety.
Rarity estimate from Bowers: 1798 BB-101 is another rare variety. Probably about 31 to 75 are known, most of which are well circulated. The average grade of F-19 is one of just a few to dip below the VF category. An AU or Mint State coin, if such could be found, would be regarded as a landmark item.
Haseltine's was only Good, the only one he ever found. In his 1881 Type-Table, he used his favorite adjective, "excessively," which he used excessively, to describe the rarity of this variety. Bolender only ever saw one, the VF coin that landed in his collection. The fact that numerous specimens have appeared since then, is testimony to the potential "out there" for locating still more examples of erstwhile and present rarities. Only a small number of 1798-dated dollars in numismatic circles have ever been attributed to Bolender numbers (PCGS # 40017) .
Estimated Value $12,000-UP.
Ex: Cardinal Collection; The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $11,213 |
