Lot 5082
1799 B-5, BB-157 Normal Date 7X6 Stars Rarity 2. PCGS graded MS-62. CAC Approved. Soothing gold, hints of lavender, and russet hues blanket both sides of this beautiful Uncirculated coin. Loaded with flashy luster emphasized expertly by the toning. Lovely eye appeal. A balanced combination of high grade and elegant aesthetic appeal, and one that fits the Condition Census from a numerical perspective. For BB-157, the coin is quite possibly unsurpassed by any other example. Delicate golden and dusky lavender toning on the obverse, superlative surfaces. The reverse is a mixture of the same shades, and has surfaces commensurate with its origin and careful handling in the 200+ years of its existence. The striking is undeniably excellent, with superb definition and detail. All devices are bold; the rims complete, showing fine definition in the dentils. A breathtaking coin to behold, a conclusion that will surely be shared by its next owner and all others who have occasion to see it.
Today this specimen rests comfortably and securely in a PCGS slab, graded as noted and as beautiful as ever. Silver dollars at this time are very difficult to find, especially with excellent eye appeal as this one has. Beyond that, the magnitude of the coin’s original condition cannot be overemphasized—it is the standard for any United States Bust Dollar coin to meet! Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 6878) .
Die characteristics: Same obverse as BB-156 (which see). In BB-157 the upper right corner is slightly indented in the 1 in date. Obverse die used to strike 1799 BB-156 (with clash marks), BB-157, BB-161 (now relapped), BB-162, BB-163, and BB-164.
This obverse is paired to reverse "F" in which the U in UNITED is imperfect at upper left, the vertical element being cut off at the upper left side, taking with it the upper left serif; a defective punch was employed (used on three different dies to strike BB-157; BB-158, BB-159, BB-160, and BB-161; and BB-168). Leaf points almost under left side of upright of I in AMERICA. All six upper stars touch clouds, the two on right each having two points touching, and other four have one point touching (the star that is below clouds 2-3 nearly touches 3). Far right edge of A is over junction of clouds 3 and 4. Point of star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak; ray points directly to center of left upright of U in PLURIBUS. A touches third feather. The reverse is similar to the die used to coin BB-158 (later, BB-159, BB-160, and BB-161), a die which must have been made about the same time, but can be easily distinguished. On BB-157, the two upper stars on the right have two points which touch clouds 7 and 8. On BB-158, etc., the upper right star has only one point which touches cloud 8. Reverse die used to strike 1799 BB-157 only.
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $40,825 |
