Lot 612
1798 B-2, BB-81. Rarity 3 Small Eagle 15 Stars Obverse. Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. Housed in an old green holder. Well struck throughout on a smooth problem-free planchet. A lovely Premium Quality example exhibiting violet and gold hues on both sides. Even extensive examination with a strong glass fails to locate any undesirable marks or problems on this well preserved Small Eagle specimen, one of two varieties issued for 1798. The distinctive 15 obverse stars are distinctive (the other variety has the standard 13). Both the peripheries and the central obverse and reverse are detailed and close to 100% crisp for their sharpness of strike. This is almost unheard of on an early Draped Bust dollar, and a forceful reminder in a coin from this period that it is quality that counts. Pop 2; 7 finer, 1 in 53, 3 in 55, 1 in 58, 2 in 62. (PCGS # 6868) .
Historic note: The Alien and Sedition Act was passed by Congress in 1798. This gave the President (John Adams) power to imprison or deport any foreigner believed to be dangerous to the U.S., and made it a crime to attack the Government with "false, scandalous, or malicious" statements or writings. Many were clapped in irons for violating this scandalous law. The Sedition part of the law was aimed directly at Vice President Thomas Jefferson, the co-founder and leader of the Democratic-Republican Party, which dominated American politics for a quarter-century after Adams's single term in office ended in 1801.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000.
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