1798 B-3, BB-94 Knob 9, 4 Lines Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-50. Subset of PCGS # 40012. In a new secure plus holder. Condition Census. This is a relatively obtainable variety from this scarce year in the Bust Dollar series, and is a real prize as such because the surfaces are so faultless. Choice for the grade, the surfaces display mid-level old-silver patina over both sides, with the only noticeable drawback being softness on the reverse detail (as struck) from a possibly worn die. There are no marks. The rims are clean, although the reverse dentils are wider on the left and narrow to invisibility on the right from minor misalignment with the obverse die.
In the context of 1798 Heraldic Eagle dollars, BB-94 is one of the rarer varieties. Probably, 31 to 75 are known, as per the Bowers encyclopedia estimate, "most of which are in lower grades up through Very Fine. At the EF level, BB-94 is rare, and higher grade pieces are rarer still. The only Uncirculated piece I have encountered in the literature is that in the Bolender Collection, 1952, since untraced; the grade equivalent of this coin today is not known."
Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety (PCGS # 40014) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
Dollars
