Lot 914
1803 Small 3 B-3, BB-256 Rarity 6. PCGS graded VF-20. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Soothing antique grey hues blanket both sides. A splash of gold and blue toning can be seen here and there about the borders.
As 1803 BB-256 stands alone without die linkage to any other 1803 dollars, it is not possible to determine the striking sequence within the year.
Obverse 6: Thin top to 3, position of 3 similar to 1803 BB-251, but star 8 is more distant from Y. Close date. On the left, stars 1 and 2 are more widely separated than are any others. Obverse die used to strike 1803 BB-256 only.
Reverse C: AM touch at base. Point of star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak. Very short stem in claw. Right edge of right foot of A over edge of cloud 4 (the only such instance for a dollar of 1803). Reverse die used to strike 1803 BB-256 only.
The 1803 BB-256 is the second rarest die variety of the year (after BB-253, if BB-253 exists). Bowers puts an estimate of 30 to 60 known, observing that "Examples seldom surface on the market. This issue is one that the specialist would be well advised to acquire in any condition, using leisure time to upgrade if the opportunity is presented." (PCGS # 40100) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $6,900 |
