Lot 5122
1801 B-3, BB-213 Wide Date Broken T Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-62. Subset of PCGS # 6893. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Although uniformly lustrous within and around the device, the fields are slightly deeper gray than the devices on both sides. Pale tan-gray iridescence is noted throughout, but the overall appearance is one of brilliance. Here, too, we are struck by the nice, convincing design detail for all areas of this important coin with not even the slightest amount of flatness on the hair or eagle. Just when the Mint got its act together to produce high-quality work, the series was within two years of its demise! How regrettable that it wasnít continued for many years to come.
About 425 to 800 examples are known of the 1801 BB-213 dollar today. This is just slightly more available than BB-214, and each of these two varieties is less abundant than 1801 BB-211 and BB-212. Again, the issue is scarce in higher grades. Although a number of Mint State coins have crossed the block, these date from before 1986 when the change in grading interpretations took place.
It is the reverse that is important on BB-213. A point of the star touches outside of upper part of eagle's beak. Right foot of all T's missing, the result of a broken punch (apparently, this die was made immediately after the die for 1801 BB-214, which has a partially broken lower right serif). A touches 3rd feather only. 13 arrows. AM joined at base, E extremely close (Bolender said it is joined). Leaf touches I in AMERICA slightly right of center of base. Star under cloud 7 double punched (an interesting error, but a rare one; it is a wonder that more stars were not double punched c. 1798-1803).
Note: As 1801 BB-213 was struck after 1801 BB-212 (per obverse die state evidence), and as 1801 BB-212 was struck no earlier than 1802, it follows that 1801 BB-213 was also struck no earlier than 1802. Reverse die used to strike 1801 BB-213 only. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 40085) .
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $35,650 |
