Draped Bust Silver Dollar

Virtually Mint State 1799 BB-158 Dollar

Outstanding Quality and Eye Appeal

1799 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-158, B-16a. Rarity-2. AU-58 (PCGS).

A truly memorable example of both the type and die pairing, this coin is more appealing than many early dollars in low end Mint State PCGS and NGC holders that we have handled over the years. Abundant eye appeal is derived from the iridescent pinkish-silver toning that adorns both sides. The color is a bit bolder on the reverse, and both sides are further enhanced by splashes of powder blue and reddish-gold tight in to the borders. The technical quality is no less impressive, the surfaces with nearly complete satin luster that shines forth powerfully as the coin rotates under a light. The strike is expertly centered and sharply executed, otherwise razor sharp design elements revealing just a trace of rub to isolated high points that is essentially all that separates this PQ example from a Mint State rating. A few wispy marks on the obverse also point to light handling, but the reverse is nearly mark-free. This coin has all the identifiers of a Draped Bust dollar that was fortunate enough to find its way into a contemporary numismatic cabinet shortly after striking, perhaps acquired by a European visitor to the early United States Mint. There is little evidence to support actual commercial use for this coin, but much to support light handling in one or more classic numismatic cabinets, in which this coin almost certainly resided prior to entering the modern numismatic market. Were this a technically Mint State coin -- and it is just a whisper away from that level -- it would not be out of place in an MS-63 holder, it is really that nice! BB Die State III. Bowers-Borckardt 158 is one of the more readily obtainable die varieties of the 1799 silver dollar issue, making it a popular type candidate at all levels of preservation. A number of Mint State examples are known (the 2013 edition of Q. David Bowers' early dollar encyclopedia lists nine coins in grades from MS-60 to MS-64+), but as with all early dollar die pairings the 1799 BB-158 is clearly very rare at that level. The present example is just as rare as the Mint State pieces, in which company it would be right at home, as above. It is the finest of just three attributed BB-158 coins certified as AU-58 by PCGS, and is a strong contender for Condition Census standing. A breathtaking near-Mint early dollar that is sure to sell for a strong premium.

PCGS# 40050. NGC ID: 24X7.

PCGS Population (BB-158 attribution only): 3; 0 finer.

From Ira and Larry Goldbergs' sale of the Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection, September 2011, lot 5085.

Estimate: $ 10000