Lot 1060
1798. Small eagle, 13 stars on obverse. B-1, BB-82. Rarity 3. PCGS graded EF-45. A small rim bruise above the second S of STATES. Characteristic die cracks through some of the reverse legends. Elusive and quite costly in About Uncirculated or better grades, this just-miss example in EF45 condition is free of noticeable surface abrasions. The strike, which is just about complete on all but the eagle, is well above par for a Draped Bust, Small Eagle silver dollar and both sides reveal variegated gray to russet-gray toning, with a deeper gray stripe diagonally across the reverse.
The year 1798 saw the number of obverse stars decreased from 16 (used in 1797) to 13, the number that remained in effect throughout the remainder of the series. An exception is provided by 1798 BB-81, with 15 stars, an anachronism created by using a leftover undated die prepared in 1795 or early 1796 (before the 16-star format became standard following the admission of Tennessee to the Union), and dating it 1798.
Two reverse designs were employed: the older Small Eagle type (1798 BB-81 and BB-82) and the new Heraldic Eagle motif (all other 1798 varieties BB-91 to BB-125). The vast majority of 1798 dollars minted were of the Heraldic Eagle type.
As the obverses for BB-81 and BB-82 (which have old-style Small Eagle reverses) were made early in the year, and as these each have a knob to the bottom of the 9 in the date (Knob 9), it is presumed that the with-knob numeral style was also used earlier in the year for obverse dies that were mated with Heraldic Eagle reverses. Conversely, the Pointed Tail 9 issue dies are believed to have been made later.
As a date, 1798 Small Eagle dollars are fairly scarce and actively sought by buyers of all stripes. Examples are encountered in all lower grades, although those in Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated and Mint State must be deemed rare (PCGS # 40006) .
Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000.
Ex; Hesselgesser Collection.
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