Lot 978
1798. Small eagle, 15 stars on obverse. B-2; BB-81. Rarity 3. ANACS graded EF-40. Well struck with plenty of detail for the grade. Mottled toning with an area of darkness on the obverse. The only 1798 dollar with 15 stars. Undoubtedly, this die was made in 1795 or before June 1796, during which time 15 stars were standard; the die was complete except for the date. In 1798 the uncompleted die had the date added and was used to coin this variety. The highest wave of hair is incomplete, probably from relapping, which also caused certain lower hair curls to be incomplete. B and R in LIBERTY each tilted slightly right
Wide numeral 8 in date; with top interior space of 8 a horizontal oval and the bottom a circle; a punch unique to this obverse, not used elsewhere in the early dollar series (not for the 8 on later dates such as 1800, 1801, etc., which have vertical oval spaces within the 8). This distinctive 8 punch was regularly used on 1798 $10 gold coins. It is possible that the obverse die was made circa 1795 but with just the first three date digits, 179, punched in; the final 8 could have been added in 1798 by selecting a punch from the wrong font. Squared-off bottom to 7. Same reverse as BB-51.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
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