Lot 5047
1798 B-16, BB-110 Pointed 9 Close Date Rarity 6. PCGS graded AU-50. Subset of PCGS # 40018. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Extremely scarce Die State I with less pronounced obverse die crack. One of the great rarities known with only 6-12 examples estimated to have survived (the rarity indicates that 13-30 may be known but some estimates have suggested otherwise). A heart-stopping example of this rare variety and of the premium quality one likes to see for this actively collected Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle design. Remnants of luster blend naturally with pale golden-gray highlights on the smooth, mark-free surfaces.
The obverse of this variety has Wide date, the most space between 9 and 8. Star 8 is slightly closer to Y than star 13 is to bust. Star 7 distant from L, and star 1 a trifle farther from curl.
In 1950, Bolender noted this: "The die broke early and so badly that very few pieces were struck, possibly not over two, as no others are known to the author. A number of pieces formerly attributed as H-16 in various catalogues and examined by the author, turned out to be incorrectly attributed. The die crack is heavy and extends from border on left near first star to right through base of lowest curl and top of 179 of date. There is a spur downward from a denticle above right part of E in LIBERTY."
Today, a perfect die coin is also known. Obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-110 only.
On the reverse is found Five small berries, the two upper ones closest together. The third berry from top is attached to a leaf point. Berry under left foot of A in AMERICA. A leaf points to space between R and I in AMERICA. Arc star pattern. Star is distant from eagle's beak; ray points toward center of B in PLURIBUS. 13 perfect arrows, an unusually well developed cluster. A plain die mark is always present in the back of the two highest clouds on the reverse. The first two reverse stars on the left both touch clouds. A small flaw or clash mark is present below the right ribbon.
Reverse die used to strike 1798 BB-110 (1st use), BB-111 (2nd use), BB-112 (3rd use), and BB-113 (4th and final use). Pop 1; 1 finer in 62 for the variety (PCGS # 40027) .
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $9,488 |
