1796 $1 BB-63 MS(PCGS#39998)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3098

Grade

AU55

Price

26,400

Lot Description

BB Die State I. One of the finest known examples of this scarce and conditionally challenged die pairing. The obverse and reverse show considerable mint reflectivity in the fields, while the devices are boldly struck and more satiny in finish. For identification there is a backwards S-shaped lintmark (as made) below the eagle's left wing and a thin scratch from the 11th star nearly to Liberty's chin. Generally light silver-gray with golden accents on both sides, as well as blushes of pale powder blue and russet at the upper obverse and lower reverse. Condition Census quality for this die pairing and an overall pleasing example.<p>Writing in the excellent reference <em>Eagle Poised on a Bank of Clouds: The United States Silver Dollars of 1795-1798</em> (2022), Harry E. Salyards assigns this variety to the Mint's delivery of 8,770 silver dollars on January 18, 1798, which total the author also asserts includes the 1796 BB-66 variety. The two varieties share the same reverse die, "the much-travelled Small Letters reverse first used to strike BB-51 back in October 1795," in Salyards' words. Although it may seem odd today, such usage of dies in different years was commonplace in the early United States Mint, where shortage of die steel and other challenges faced by that struggling institution called for every possible expedient to reduce costs and maximize output. Salyards accounts for a mere 75 to 125 examples of the 1796 BB-63 variety in numismatic hands, and he ranks the present example as tied for CC#3 with two other certified AU-55 coins. It is also a superior representative of the type and issue, and is eagerly awaiting inclusion in an advanced collection.