1799 $1 BB-164 MS(PCGS#40055)

1799 $1 BB-164 MS (PCGS#40055)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Lot Description: BB Die State II. Boldly struck with pleasing definition seen in the eagle's breast feathers and shield, this lovely example displays deep slate to mauve patina throughout with some deeper argent tones on select obverse high points. The surfaces are smooth and evenly worn without any distracting blemishes - a wholly satisfying specimen. An estimated 395,000 silver dollars dated 1799 were struck, though the official number for the calendar year is 423,515 pieces. The former total was accomplished through the use of 19 different die marriages. The BB-164 pairing can be easily distinguished from similar varieties by the berry size on the reverse olive branch; they are by far the largest berries on any 1799 dollar. While the obverse die was employed in six different combinations, this particular reverse die was only used for BB-164, making this a useful marker for numismatists collecting by die pair. The BB-164 is generally one of the more available of the 1799 silver dollar issue with perhaps 1,000 or slightly more examples thought to exist. As with many of the other early dollars, however, most survivors are found in VF and lower grades. In certified Choice EF, as here, the 1799 BB-164 is conditionally scarce as, indeed, is the Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle dollar type in its entirety.