|
Sale 65
Lot 5108
1800 B-16, BB-187 Normal Date Rarity 2. NGC graded MS-64. Subset of PCGS # 6887. Condition Census. The BB-187 is tied with the BB-193 as the most frequently encountered die marriage of the year. It is estimated that there are roughly 501 to 1,000 examples known. That is not to say, however, that representatives of this die pairing are even remotely available at the Mint State levels of preservation, with PCGS certifying a handful of Uncirculated near-Gems specimens. That said, this coin ranks at the very top of the condition census for the variety, which is listed in Bowers'tome as 60-60-60-60-55 (multiples), and is, at this level of preservation, conditionally rare. One of the most distinctive die marriages of the date, thanks to rampant as-made die flaws on both the obverse and reverse, perhaps the most immediately helpful diagnostics are: 1) The prominent as-struck surface roughness at ES in STATES, a texture that develops in this die state III into a full-fledged and somewhat irregular die break; 2) The misaligned rays of stars 10 and 11; and 3) The double-punched T in UNITED. For the nascent but well-heeled collector, we also note a very slender as-made die crack running from the rim through the second 0 of the date, through Liberty's bust, near the point of her chin, and onwards to star 10.
The series specialist will straightaway recognize this coin as something truly remarkable to behold. The detail is virtually unparalleled in terms of any representative of the die marriage we have seen. Each star, including star number 13, has pinpoint definition, while Liberty's hair is flowing and textured, held back by an intricately defined ribbon. The eagle betrays a couple areas of striking incompleteness, namely on its breast and right-facing wing, but these do little to inhibit the grade. For a coin of this size to have born the passage of time with so little deterioration in terms of handling is beyond belief, for these planchets almost always managed to acquire a handful of nicks or spots that would require inclusion in a review such as this. Surrounded by all the aforementioned technical appeal of this coin, perhaps the most outstanding feature is the veil of toning that is appreciably prettier than almost any other we have seen on an early Dollar. At first glance, both the obverse and reverse offer nothing more than a faintly mottled ash- and charcoal-gray coloration. However, when one dips the coin into a light, the surfaces divulge an array of golden-orange, cobalt-blue and sea-green iridescence, with the reverse visage simply dominated by a swath of lovely golden amber tint. It is doubtful that a business-strike 1800 Draped Bust Dollar, of any variety, will again appear at public auction so well preserved anytime soon, for this is a simply staggering representative to gaze upon, and one that is sure to ignite the desire of countless collectors. Pop 1; none finer at NGC for the variety .
Estimated Value $90,000-UP.
Ex: Cardinal Collection; The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $80,500 |
|
