Lot 5035
1798 B-5, BB-93 Knob 9, 10 Arrows Rarity 6. PCGS graded EF-45. Subset of PCGS # 40012. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. Another majestic silver dollar from this historic offering, and a coin with energetic detail thanks to a firm strike by the dies. The surface toning progresses from light to medium-deep gray as one views the details outward from the centers; the surface condition combined with the overall excellent state of preservation seems to want to motivate bidders to increase their bids as though by subtle hypnotism!
This variety is instantly identifiable by the heavy reverse vertical die crack which runs from rim to rim on most known specimens. The Spies:46 example doesn't have this prominent reverse die break. Because of this crack, all examples seen are weak at the center of the reverse, but somewhat stronger in the area to the right of the crack. Line star pattern above the eagle. One star is very close to the outside of point of the upper part of eagle's beak; its ray points to right side of left upright of B in PLURIBUS. Right serif on foot of first T in STATES lower than left foot of adjacent A; right serif on foot of second lower than adjacent serif of E. Bases of letters AME and RI closer than ER. Berry below and distant from left side of serif of right foot of A. Only 10 arrows, and three heads additional without sticks. Reverse die used to strike 1798 BB-93 only.
Despite the inclusion of three specimens in the 1975 ANA Convention sale (Superior), the BB-93 variety is quite rare today. In 1950, the situation was far different when Bolender wrote this: "Haseltine had found but a single specimen (Fair), and I have seen but one. Excessively rare. Rarity 7." This is the old story again: A specimen is considered rare, then collectors search for it, and additional coins come to light." Today less than 20 examples are estimated to have survived. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 40013) .
Estimated Value $18,000-UP.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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| Realized $17,250 |
