1798 $1 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, BB-109 Pointed 9, 4 Vertical Lines PCGS AU50

This is the highest graded BB-109 Early Dollar recognized by PCGS. Originally Ex. Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection sold by Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers on January 31, 2012 as lot #2545 with a pre-sale estimate of "$8,000 to $10,000."

Described as:

1798 B-10, BB-109 Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-50. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. The obverse exhibits shades of russet, violet, and blue-green about the borders while the reverse displays similar hues scattered throughout. A long adjustment line crosses the reverse from O(F) through the scroll and into the shield below, which will serve as an identifier of this particular specimen.

1798 BB-109 is a scarce issue. Estimates are that 75 to 125 exist, nearly all of which are in lower grades. Opinions concerning the rarity of this variety have been the subject of debate. Bolender suggested Rarity-4 (76 to 200 known, if he used the Sheldon Scale), which may be correct at the rarer end of the spread. Others have suggested that fewer than 30 exist. BB-109 is almost always weakly struck on the eagle and at the center of the bust (the latter, as here) (PCGS # 40026) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
Ex: Hesselgesser Collection."

This coin is well within the Condition Census (CC: 62, 55, 53, 50, 50, 45). Features five small berries on the branch on the reverse, the two uppermost being closest together. Arc star pattern. Star slightly distant from Eagle's beak; star ray points to center of B of PLURIBUS. 13 perfect arrows, some formed better than others. Leaf points to just left of center of upright I in AMERICA....all specimens seen are lightly struck on the eagle.