Lot 1155
1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle reverse, 15 stars on obverse. Fine-15 obverse, Good-5 reverse. Here is one of John Haugh's favorite early dollar errors. It comes with a custom Capital Plastics holder which describes the coin as a triple strike, one of the only triple struck Bust dollars known outside the Smithsonian Institution. Further, Mr. Haugh had several notable specialists like Jules Reiver and Ken Bressett examine the coin, most of which agreed that it was indeed triple struck, and signed an informal note to that effect which is included with this lot. One person who examined the coin was certain that the reverse was quadruple struck, while the obverse was triple struck. A coin which warrants extensive examination and discussion, and many will be fascinated by the bizarre effects of the multiple strikes.
First off, this is the scarce 15 star, small eagle variety, which is instantly identifiable as only one die was used in 1798 with 15 obverse stars. Further, the small eagle reverse is indeed scarce, with just two varieties known, and as such, this is a major Guide Book variety for major type collectors too as well as an important coin for variety collectors. Second, the coin itself is quite nice for the moderate grade, toned an even gun metal gray with no real surface problems aside from several rim bumps on either side, one above the L of LIBERTY, another near the 14th star, and on the reverse above UNITED and just past AMERICA. The reverse is weak as always for this variety, and this weakness is exacerbated by the multiple striking. Examination will note the coin is clearly double struck, and the third strike seems to be present on the stars. A fascinating coin for the specialist to long enjoy.
Estimated Value $3,000-UP.
From Superior Galleries H. W. Blevins sale, June 1988, lot 3636 and purchased privately by John Haugh some years later.
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| Realized $5,520 |
