Lot 1319
1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 9 stars left, 7 right, small letters. PCGS graded VF-30. Lightly toned. Rare variety. Of all 1797 varieties, the BB-72 is at once the rarest, best known, and most sought after of the draped bust, small eagle series (1795-98). This issue occupies its own niche in numismatic literature, where it has been showcased as a rarity for the better part of a hundred years. Doubtless, it is the best known die variety of the 1795-98 years combined. Indeed, it may well be the most famous variety after 1794 and before 1804 in the view of Bowers, who published a large volume on this series of coins. "While various cataloguers over the years have ascribed great rarity to 1797 BB-72," cautions Bowers, "I believe that about 200 to 300 exist today …"
He fails to mention, that of this estimate, many (most?) are low-quality or problem coins of one sort or another. That this handsome specimen, with its natural colors, surface preservation second to none, and objectively superior aesthetics, is so sensational, we assign it to a league all its own (PCGS # 6866) .
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
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