Lot 1528
1800. "Dotted Date." B-14, BB-194, Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-63. This is the so-called "Dotted Date" variety that features curious die breaks or cracks inside and above the first 0 in date. Tiny dot-like die breaks appear in many other places as well, particularly between the L and I of LIBERTY, under the nose, before the chin, below the first star, and under stars 6 and 7. We theorize the steel used to make this obverse die must have been substandard, yet from the production numbers, it must have been able to withstand the constant pounding to strike these large pieces of silver.
When examined closely, this piece exhibits characteristics of Die State IV, as is listed in Bowers' Silver Dollar Encyclopedia. This includes all of the die cracks as well as additional small lumps of die rust scattered about the obverse. Only one Mint State example of this variety was recorded by Bowers in his "Notable Specimens" list, tracing its pedigree back to the F.C.C. Boyd Collection sold by Numismatic Gallery. That coin was described with a nick on Liberty's chin. This lot represents a second (Select) Mint State coin, one apparently previously unknown to the current generation of Bust dollar collectors.
This is a well centered specimen exhibiting full denticulation at the rims and a bold impression of the dies over the obverse and reverse including Liberty's hair strands and most of the central detail on the eagle. Only stars 5-7 on the left obverse and several letters of LIBERTY are not quite full. Both sides have frosty silver-gray luster beneath deep lilac and golden-brown toning that deepens to argent-blue at certain border areas, that being reminiscent of long-term storage in an old-time cardboard album. A tiny mark within the drapery above the first 0 in the date is the only individual mark that we can discern as a future identifier. Pop 1; 1 finer in 64. (PCGS # 6889) .
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
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