Lot 5065
1798 B-9, BB-121 Pointed 9 Close Date Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. CAC Approved. Subset of PCGS # 40018. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Second finest certified by PCGS. A richly satisfying, eye-appealing specimen. High grade. Loaded with pizzazz. Supple underlying luster is enveloped in deep peripheral gray toning the lessens to a lighter gray as it marches inwards from the rim. A decidedly high-end example of the date, some BB-121ís are not completely struck, but this one is. It has impressive detail in the head, curls, drapery and shoulder area of the obverse, while the eagle displays a nearly complete scroll (weak only at the first U of UNUM) and defining feathers in the wings and tail. The shield is well detailed also. This being a central relief area on the Bust Dollar coinage, often the shield and nearby head and neck of the eagle fail to strike completely. But compare the finer details on this coin with an average specimen and the difference is noticeable.
A relatively affordable variety (common enough in lower grades to supply collectorsí needs), BB-121 combines Obverse 15 with Reverse R. There is a compact date, with the 8 close to the bust, being a little nearer than the 1 is to the curl. The upper left star is close to L and lowest right star very close to the bust. The curl closest to date is complete but is formed very delicately. This obverse die was used to strike 1798 BB-121 only.
The reverse has been christened the "Amateur Diecutter's Reverse." Any number of inconsistencies can be found: Star distant from eagle's beak. Arc star pattern, but poorly aligned, with the first star in the second row out of place and too high. This is the only 1798 reverse with such "sloppy" die work. Either 12 or 13 arrows are present; two are very weak and appear to hold another stick between them; the two rightmost arrow shafts each have two heads (and thus count as four arrows), the third arrow shaft from the right is ghostlike (the three rightmost shafts are quite similar to those on the reverse used to coin BB-96, BB-101 and certain other reverses of the era). This reverse die, too, was used to strike 1798 BB-121 only. Pop 1; 1 finer in 58 for the variety (PCGS # 40038) .
Estimated Value $18,000-UP.
Ex: Cardinal Collection; The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $21,850 |
