146
|
Dollars
900
1796 Small Date Large Letters B-4, BB-61 Rarity 3
.
PCGS graded VF-25
. Nice old time even gray toning. There is
a field mark between the hair ribbon and stars 7-8, the only
noticeable mark on an otherwise much better than average sur-
face. Strong hair details.
This scarce Small Eagle variety combines an obverse that has a
small, wide date with 96 close and 6 tipped to the left with
raised "dot" or die flaw over the 1 in date and closer to bust, a
tiny extra projection or flaw extending from the space at the
bottom of star 11. This and the obverse used to strike BB-66
were the first two obverse dies cut in 1796, and have the lower
right tip of the R in LIBERTY intact. The obverse die was used to
strike 1796 BB-61 (early state) and BB-62 (late state).
Paired to it is Reverse “A” with large letters in the legend. Let-
ters AMER appear crowded together and touch at the bases.
Eight plain berries in the wreath with a berry under the first T in
STATES. Two leaves beneath eagle's left wing, these having
been added by hand in front of the cloud. There is a small
defect in field attached to two denticles below (as made), and
slightly left of the left ribbon end. This reverse punch is from
the same hub used to create 1795 BB-51 and 52, but on 1796
BB-61 it was not as strongly impressed, the result being that
the eagle's breast feathers are not as bold. Reverse die used to
strike 1796 BB-61 only. (
PCGS # 6860
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,800 - 4,000
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 sur-
face 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 Eck-
stein, 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 head-
less on most normal strikes.) The strikes with this combination
were issued from 1795 to 1798. (
PCGS # 6863
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,000 - 2,200
