Lot 900
1796 Small Date Large Letters B-4, BB-61 Rarity 3. PCGS graded VF-25. Nice old time even gray toning. There is a field mark between the hair ribbon and stars 7-8, the only noticeable mark on an otherwise much better than average surface. Strong hair details.
This scarce Small Eagle variety combines an obverse that has a small, wide date with 96 close and 6 tipped to the left with raised "dot" or die flaw over the 1 in date and closer to bust, a tiny extra projection or flaw extending from the space at the bottom of star 11. This and the obverse used to strike BB-66 were the first two obverse dies cut in 1796, and have the lower right tip of the R in LIBERTY intact. The obverse die was used to strike 1796 BB-61 (early state) and BB-62 (late state).
Paired to it is Reverse "A" with large letters in the legend. Letters AMER appear crowded together and touch at the bases. Eight plain berries in the wreath with a berry under the first T in STATES. Two leaves beneath eagle's left wing, these having been added by hand in front of the cloud. There is a small defect in field attached to two denticles below (as made), and slightly left of the left ribbon end. This reverse punch is from the same hub used to create 1795 BB-51 and 52, but on 1796 BB-61 it was not as strongly impressed, the result being that the eagle's breast feathers are not as bold. Reverse die used to strike 1796 BB-61 only (PCGS # 6860) .
Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000.
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| Realized $4,113 |
