1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-51, B-14. Rarity-2. Off-Center Bust. VF-35 (PCGS).
Here is a bold, mid-grade example of the eagerly sought first year issue of the brief and challenging Draped Bust, Small Eagle silver dollar design type. Generally olive-gray surfaces have glints of steely-charcoal patina scattered about, with greater concentration on the obverse. The strike is ideally centered on both sides, the design elements retaining considerable sharpness of detail despite light to moderate commercial use. With faint traces of original luster discernible, this is a desirable coin for circulated type purposes and is sure to catch the eye of astute bidders. Upon becoming Mint director in June 1795, Henry William DeSaussure had a goal to improve the appearance of the nation's coins, especially the silver denominations. DeSaussure contracted with portrait artist Gilbert Stuart to prepare a depiction of Liberty which was then transferred into plaster models and punches by John Eckstein for Robert Scot, as well as a set of improved versions of the Small Eagle reverse punches. While a type that lasted only four years, the resulting Draped Bust, Small Eagle silver dollar is often heralded as a masterpiece from the early United States Mint. The Stuart/Eckstein Draped Bust was used until coinage of silver dollars was suspended sometime in 1804. Two 1795-dated obverse dies were paired with the Small Eagle reverse, the first of which placed Liberty's bust too far to the left. To correct this imbalance, the second die centers the bust with Liberty's topmost hair curl is directly under the E in LIBERTY. The former variety is BB-51, offered here, and it is of similar overall rarity to its BB-52 counterpart.
PCGS# 96858.

Estimate: $9000