1799 $1 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Irregular Date-13 Stars BB-151 PCGS VF30

The scarcest 1799-dated Draped Bust dollar variety!

There is desirable coppery-gold and blue patina decorating both sides of this fairly worn, however somewhat lustrous midgrade example of the rare and popular BB-151 Irregular Date variety. The reverse die is in its only use on the BB-151. It displays diagnostic die rust above and around the ‘E’ in ‘STATES.’

Writes Heritage Auctions of this specific piece: “The obverse die displays an unusually aligned date, with the two 9s slightly askew. This example is colorfully toned and well-defined despite 30 points of wear. The Bowers reference assigns an R.5 rating—with an estimated 40 to 75 survivors in all grades.”

There have been only 12 examples of the BB-151 graded by PCGS. Of those, there are 2 in VF30 with just 4 finer. Collectors Universe prices this variety at $5,000.00 in VF30.

A painting of the First Philadelphia Mint, where this rare piece was struck in 1799. Image: Public domain.