1794 $1 MS(PCGS#6851)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3062

Grade

VF20

Price

216,000

Lot Description

BB Die State III. Appealing to a different group of collectors than the Mint State specimen offered above, this Very Fine example has much to offer in a 1794 dollar. The surfaces are generally light pewter with steel gray highlights outlining many of the design elements and engaging isolated peripheral areas. Strike quality is typical for the issue, the left obverse and reverse borders soft, a characteristic this is exacerbated for this coin by the presence of light to moderate adjustment marks (as made) around much of the periphery on the former side. As such, softness of detail is also seen in other areas, most notably the right border on both sides and in the date area, where the bottoms of the digits are indistinct. We note much bolder definition toward the centers, where Liberty's portrait, the wreath and eagle are fully outlined and easy to appreciate despite the presence of moderate wear. Liberty's third hair curl (from the bottom) is shallow, confirming the BB Die State III attribution.<p>Regarding surface preservation, the in hand appearance for both sides is quite smooth when one looks past the aforementioned adjustment marks. There are two tiny nicks on Liberty's portrait, at the base of the neck and near the tip of the bust truncation, a small planchet pit approaches the top of star 1, and a dull mark on the reverse border outside the letters TE in STATES also serves as a useful provenance marker. Other marks are small, wispy, and will generally require magnification to discern - nothing out of the ordinary for a moderately circulated survivor of this challenging issue. Evidence for an old, light cleaning is noted for accuracy, again not unusual for the issue, and the surfaces show some natural retoning.<p>Despite having seen a moderate amount of handling in earlier years, this piece has come down to the present day with above average eye appeal in a circulated 1794 dollar. That is survived at all is perhaps even more significant, for there are not many more than 150 or so of these extant - far too small a number to meet the strong numismatic demand for this historic first year silver dollar issue from the fledgling United States Mint. This piece will certainly have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced cabinet, where it will be a treasured highlight for years to come.