1799/8 $1 BB-141 MS(PCGS#40064)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2158

Grade

MS62

Price

29,280

Lot Description

BB Die State IV. Stunning Mint State condition rarity for both the type and die pairing. And this is a visually appealing coin, as well, with gently mottled pinkish-rose iridescence on surfaces that retain areas of antique silver near-brilliance. The strike is ideally centered and well executed for the type, isolated clouds and portions of the eagle's plumage on the reverse soft, but most features on both sides sharply to fully rendered. The obverse is lightly marked, consistent with the grade, but there are no sizeable or otherwise singularly mentionable blemishes. Softly frosted luster glows from the surfaces as the coin rotates under a light to further enhance already strong eye appeal.<p>BB-141 is one of the most popular and eagerly sought die marriages among 1799-dated silver dollars, combining as it does an overdate obverse die with a reverse die readily recognizable as having a blundered arc star pattern. On the obverse, the final digit 9 in the date has been punched over an 8, remnants of the underdigit quite bold and readily evident even without the aid of a loupe. The reverse exhibits 15 stars above the eagle as opposed to the normal 13, although the additional two stars can be difficult to discern for the uninitiated. They protrude from the first and final clouds, which were enlarged by the engraver to cover most of the extra stars when he realized his blunder. BB-141 is not a major rarity in an absolute sense - it is actually a fairly plentiful die marriage by 1799 dollar standards - but in Mint State the variety is a significant condition rarity. Although not included in the Winter 2025 revision to Stephen J. Herrman's <em>Auction Prices Realized for Early Silver Dollars: 1794-1803</em>, the present example in PCGS MS-62 is tied for CC#10 for the BB-141 dies based on the census listing therein. It is a lovely and significant piece that would serve as a highlight in an advanced Bust dollar collection or Mint State type set.