1795 $1 BB-51, Off-Center Bust MS(PCGS#39996)

March 2021 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4113

等级

AU55

价格

189,274

详细说明

Choice AU 1795 Draped Bust Dollar 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-51, B-14. Rarity-2. Off-Center Bust. AU-55 (PCGS). A lively, exceptionally lustrous example of both the type and die pairing, this endearing early dollar really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Much of the semi-prooflike finish remains, the surfaces particularly reflective when viewed with the aid of direct lighting. The strike is well centered with most design elements sharply to fully rendered. An interesting crisscrossing pattern of adjustment marks is evident on the obverse. These are as made, are light except for concentrations in a few isolated peripheral areas, and are a natural part of the production process for a 1790s silver dollar. Adjustment marks are fewer in number on the reverse and are confined to the left border on that side. Wisps of pale reddish-apricot iridescence drift over both sides to further enhance this coin's already exceptional appearance. Henry William DeSaussure had as part of his goals upon becoming Mint Director in June of 1795 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 only a short-lived type lasting all of 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 for the rest of the series until coinage of silver dollars was suspended sometime in 1804. Of the two different die combinations used for the 1795 Draped Bust dollar, the BB-51 Off-Center Bust variety featuring Liberty's appearing too far to the left from the center is believed to have been the first of the new dollars coined. The total struck is not quite known; while the official mintage figure cited is 42,738, this is thought to be a portion of the overall total for the 1795 Draped Bust dollar, which may be closer to 100,000 coins of both varieties. The BB-51 is the more plentiful of the two die marriages with as many as 1,400 to 2,000 coins extant in all grades, though the lion's share of these are found at the VF level. Higher grade level specimens are much scarcer with appealing Choice AU pieces quite challenging to locate. With its strong technical quality and eye appeal, here is an ideal candidate for both an advanced type collection or specialized early dollar cabinet. PCGS# 39996. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.