Lot 930
1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle, 13 stars on obverse. PCGS graded AU-50 BB-82, B-1, Rarity 1. A boldly original specimen with deeply toned surfaces that are exemplary in their appearance; the toning atop the still somewhat lustrous, mark-free fields beneath. Desirable with this precision strike on the hair, the drapery, and turning to the reverse, throughout the eagle's wings, breast and legs and the wreath.
It is believed that the 1795 draped bust dollars were first struck in October 1795. Those with bust centered (1795 B-15, BB-52) coins were likely struck after the misaligned bust pieces (1795 B-14, BB-51), perhaps to correct the placement error where Liberty was positioned to far to the left. On B-15, BB-52 the highest wave of the hair is under the E of LIBERTY and star 1 does not touch the curl. On the reverse of 1795 B-14, BB-51 there are seven berries on the olive branch; on B-15, BB-52 there are only six berries. The obverse and reverse dies for B-15, BB-52 was only used to strike this one die variety.
Compared to the 1795 flowing hair varieties, the obverse portrait punch on the draped bust 1795 dollars is of higher quality and is carefully engraved, with all the minute detail clearly evident. No one is sure who engraved the dies, whether Robert Scot or John Eckstein, but he was extremely skilled. The reverse punch of the small eagle is set on a platform of billowy clouds and is similarly well done. Pop 1; 2 finer for the variety. (PCGS # 40006) .
It is not clear precisely when the scarce 1798 draped bust dollars with small eagle reverse were struck. They may well have made up a small part of the January 5 delivery, or perhaps were struck in the latter part of January. The mintage was certainly small, whenever the time of striking. Oddly enough, even for this coinage, there are two obverse dies, one with 13 stars and one with 15.
Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000.
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