Lot 5079
1799 B-19, BB-155 Normal Date 7X6 Stars Rarity 5. PCGS graded Genuine. Subset of PCGS # 40043. Cleaned and recolored with reds and blue predominating. Our grade is sharpness of XF. A well struck coin with minor weakness on the eagle and scroll; central hair curls too show minor softness.
All the same, the 1799 BB-155 is one of the key rarities of the year. Bowers believes that only 31 to 75 exist today, according to his reference book on the subject. "However, as of the early 1990s, there are more coins available than there are specialized collectors desiring to pay a significant premium for them; thus, specimens sell for little more than "type" prices. I see this as an advantage for anyone wishing to get involved in early dollars. Further, in recent decades, especially since the mid-1970s, many newcomers to the coin market have been conditioned to buy only Mint State coins, these being said to be of "investment quality." This leaves a vast range of VF, EF, etc., coins available to astute collectors of rare varieties, who do not have to be concerned with prices being pushed up by amateur competition from investors."
Most examples of the 1799 BB-155 dollar are in lower grades through EF. Only a few AU and Mint State coins exist (PCGS # 40047) .
Estimated Value $6,000-UP.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $3,968 |
