Lot 617
1799 B-6, BB-162. Rarity 4. NGC graded AU-58. A beautiful original example. Lovely natural toning on both sides with an abundance of luster throughout gives this handsome specimen all the advantages with none of the disadvantages. Need we remind bidders that a weak impression was left by the rebound of the (often dilapidated) dies that usually struck many varieties of the 1799 silver dollar; however, in the present case, the opposite is true, this BB-162 example shows outstanding detail and a clear, bold strike. Even though many issues were made of the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle design from 1798 to 1803 for circulation purposes and then the presentation Proofs dated 1804, circulation strikes are not often seen as choice as here. On the obverse the hair strands are well demarcated, the stars each have clear, not rounded centers, and the dentils are complete around the border (although stronger in certain areas than in others). The usual points of light striking, that is to say the neck of the eagle, the upper part of the wing, the stars above the eagle, and certain of the clouds (particularly at the upper right) are sharp as well. Pop 4; none finer at NGC for the variety In a new NGC 4 pronged holder.
The rest of the story: According to Bowers, "Dollars of this type were made in large quantity and were mostly exported in a scenario in which they competed with the much more popular Spanish-American dollar or eight-real piece. Early mentions of American dollars (although it is difficult to differentiate those actually made at the Philadelphia Mint and 'American dollars' used as a term for the Spanish-American coins) as printed in Niles' Weekly Register and elsewhere seem to indicate that tremendous amounts of such pieces ended up in India where they were converted to bullion. Many others were shipped to the West Indies where they were familiar in commerce, some being repatriated early in the 19th century."
Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000.
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