1798 B-22, BB-104 Pointed 9 Wide Date Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-61. Subset of PCGS # 40018. In a new secure plus holder. Baking fresh luster still gleams on satiny surfaces. A touch of weakness is seen at the central hair curls on the obverse, but here it is probably that the dies were spaced just far enough apart to prevent stronger metal flow in that area or that the pressman, who operated the hand-thrown striking arms just didnít give the motion enough gusto when slamming the two dies together. These early pieces, rather than being "struck" in the modern sense, were more properly squeezed between the dies under immense pressure. Old copper-plate engravings from the era show the large screw-shaped central cylinder which, when set in motion by the pressman, caused the dies to come together with increasing force as the screw pressed downward to its full striking force.
Arc star pattern on reverse. This variety incorporates Obverse 7: Wide date, the 8 firmly united with bust. This die is similar to BB-101, but the upper stars, while near L and Y, are not as close to them as in BB-101; on this the 7th star points directly at the lower left serif end of L, while on BB-101 the star points slightly above the serif end. Second star points to a space between two denticles, third to left part of a denticle. Flaw on star 4. Slight die crack under Y and 8th and 9th stars, shows on some specimens. The obverse die was used to strike 1798 BB-104 (early state) and BB-105 (early and late states).
The reverse, Reverse G in Bowerís system: Branch with five medium sized berries, the two top ones closest together. Leaf point below lower left corner of I in AMERICA. Star distant from eagle's beak. Arc star pattern. 13 arrows.
In 1950, Bolender wrote this: "Die break from milling down through right part of E in STATES to clouds. This break has been seen on all specimens examined. Die breaks through last S in STATES and top of OF. Light die crack from top of N to base of D in UNITED."
Reverse die used to strike 1798 BB-103 (early and late states) and BB-104 (intermediate states). Condition Census #1.
Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. One of the two Finest Known BB-104 dollars, possibly the Finest Known. (PCGS # 40021) .
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.
The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection.
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