1798 $1 Small Eagle, 15 Stars MS(PCGS#6868)

The Regency Auction 51

拍卖行

Legend Rare Coin Auctions

批号

31

等级

AU55

价格

349,883

详细说明

FROM THE DALE FRIEND COLLECTION, PART I. A SENSATIONAL Condition Census B-2, BB-81! Once cataloged as "Strictly Uncirculated," this coin is VERY HIGH END for the grade. This is a richly toned example, with a bold satiny luster that highlights the slate and gold toning. Sharply struck devices stand out from a precision blow from the first mint's screw press. Liberty's hair curls are sharply delineated, as are the eagle's breast feathers. Light adjustment marks crisscross the obverse, obscured by the thick, rich toning. The surfaces show only the lightest hint of rub, essentially nothing more than old fashioned cabinet friction and only under the closest scrutiny with a strong glass will you find any tick or mark, mostly seen at around 6:00 on the reverse. These are very minor. 1798 was a transitional year for the coining of silver dollars. First two reverse types were utilized, the Small Eagle type, as here, that was en vogue from 1795 to 1798 and then the Large Eagle, that was struck from 1798 to the end of the series (the last coins were struck in 1804, dated 1803 or earlier). The obverse die used on this variety features 15 stars, representing 15 states, but since Tennessee was added as the 16th state back in June 1796, this obverse die really made no sense, and was likely prepared in 1796, with the 179 punched in the die, and then when finally pressed into service in 1798, the final numeral in the date was punched into it. Later on the mint reverted to 13 stars, representing the 13 original states, as adding a star for each additional state would crowd the design. This coin has an illustrious pedigree. Ex James G. Macallister Collection; T. James Clarke Collection, New Netherlands' 48th Sale, 1956, lot 621; unknown intermediaries; Heritage, September 2007, lot 1866 (as NGC AU58); Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection; Dale Friend Collection. PCGS 1, NGC 0. The only AU55 to sell was the other Hesselgesser coin, now graded AU55+, that realized $60,375 over a decade ago. The current PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $65,000 and we feel this coin is worthy of a very strong bid. Honestly anything finer will cost six figures! Worthy of an advanced early dollar date set, and will see very strong bidding when it does! Good luck. Cert. Number 19124192 PCGS # 6868