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Sale 63
Lot 875
1795 2 Leaves B-13, BB-24 Rarity 5. NGC graded EF-40. Appealing multi-faceted toning covers both sides. Pop 1; 1 finer in 53 for the variety
A lovely example of optimum quality for the grade: The surface condition is unbeatable for originality, as well, and the strike is nearly full, being quite crisp in most places. This from one of the high relief heads of Liberty. There is a small occlusion in the rim dentil above B in LIBERTY, probably from an impurity in the metal. Perfect rims elsewhere and very choice in this regard. Should attract strong bidder attention for being one of the finest seen in this grade.
Head of 1795 with flowing hair in six curls, 3rd and 4th close together; lowest curl barely misses a point of first star, but continues on to touch and slightly pass a second point of same star. The second curl from bottom turns downward pointing to space between two points of second star. Wide date, 79 closest. E in LIBERTY punched over an earlier erroneous R. The Y in LIBERTY is higher than the adjacent T. Foot of R in LIBERTY shortened from a broken punch. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-24 (early state) and BB-25 (early and late states).
Somewhere between 100 and 150 exist, most of which are in relatively high grades for a 1795 issue. In this regard, BB-24 is in sharp contrast to BB-26, the latter of which is usually seen in Fine. Most 1795 BB-24 dollars are in better grades such as VF or EF, or even finer.
The problem of evaluating the rarity of early dollars, explains the Bowers encyclopedia, is akin to what large cent researchers were faced with 75 to 100 years ago, before popular references became generally available. Information in print is often contradictory. Common varieties are called rare, and rare varieties are sometimes sold for "common prices." Although the Bolender book is excellent, it has not served as a springboard for research in the silver dollar series to the same extent that Dr. William H. Sheldon's 1949 text, Early American Cents, did for large cents 1793-1814. Nor is there a very wide circle of friends of the early silver dollar, while, by contrast, there are at least a couple thousand or more numismatists who seek to acquire early (1793-1814) large cents by die varieties. In doing research for this book, one expert ventured the opinion that about 10 to 15 specimens of 1795 BB-24 existed, while another suggested that 80 to 100 was the correct range. Bolender knew of only three coins!
All things considered, the 1795 BB-24 dollar is an excellent variety for further research. Why are most specimens in higher grades? How many are known to exist?
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
Ex: Miller/Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $9,775 |
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