Lot 901
1797. 9 Stars Left, 7 Right, Large Letters. B-1, BB-73, Rarity 3 PCGS graded Genuine XF Details. Cleaning. Even light gray toning on both sides. Only 7,776 struck. Smooth surface and freedom from edge bumps, the devices are stronger than average for this often weak Draped Bust, Small Eagle date. Light milky gray color. Free of spotting and rough handling.
Henry DeSaussure, the Mint Director, responding to criticisms of the Robert Scot flowing hair design of 1794-5, had a new obverse made based upon a drawing by Gilbert Stuart, the prominent portrait artist whose Washington likeness appears on the $1 bill. It is believed the model for the obverse was Mrs. William Bingham, a famous belle of the day and friend of both Washington and Jefferson. The dies were done by Jacob Eckstein, a German-born specialist, in September to October 1795; he was probably responsible for the redesign of the reverse as well which was undertaken at the same time.
The revised reverse quite possibly was designed to allow fuller striking of both sides with the new obverse; the old reverse would have been so placed as to leave the eagle almost headless on most normal strikes.) The strikes with this combination were issued from 1795 to 1798 (PCGS # 6863) .
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200.
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| Realized $3,525 |
