Lot 1593
1799. B-11, BB-161. Rarity 3. PCGS graded EF-45. Somewhat toned. The present population of 1799 BB-161 is believed to number between 600 to 1,100. Most of these are of Die State II, according to auction offerings, but probably most were fall into the category of Die State III. While BB-161 is obtainable readily enough in lower grades, above Extremely Fine the issue is scarce, and in true Mint State it is a notable rarity.
BB-161 has no berries in the branch on the reverse, a fact not widely known, as Milferd H. Bolender noted that it has "one tiny berry." Granted, it may have a trace of an erstwhile berry, but anything approaching a full berry, no. The No Berry variety has been listed in the Guide Book for many years, and, as such, it has drawn a circle of collectors desiring it (especially true of the better known BB-160, which Bolender specifically noted as being berryless, but "from same die as Bolender-11," with no further explanation given).
Inasmuch as the without-berries feature on BB-161 and BB-160 was caused by relapping the die, it is not especially significant for that feature. Had the berries been omitted in error by the die sinker, that would constitute a variety worth striving for. Pop 1; 1 finer in 55 for the variety. (PCGS # 40052) Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400
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| Realized $3,910 |
