1802 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-242, B-5. Rarity-5. Wide Date. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous and frosty silver-gray centers with multicolored peripheral toning dominated by shades of sandy-gold. The reverse is slightly reflective, and the strike is bold in most areas, just some minor softness within Libertys hair and affecting a few star centers on the obverse. Scattered hairlines are noted, pointing to ancient numismatic handling, but a diagonal nick hidden in hair behind the ear is the only worthwhile provenance marker.<p>A highly elusive variety, and the only one of the 1802-dated issue that Haseltine designated as rare in his 1881 Type Table. This is the #1 coin in Q. David Bowers 2013 list of "Notable Specimens" of the 1802 BB-242; there are no Mint State examples included either therein or in the Winter 2022 revision to Stephen J. Herrmans AMBPR for early silver dollars. An important example of this rare die marriage whose offering in this sale represents an important bidding opportunity for advanced variety enthusiasts. PCGS# 40089. NGC ID: 24XB. From the Legacy Collection. Earlier ex Warren Miller; our (American Numismatic Rarities) sale of the Cardinal Collection, June 2005, lot 59; Ira & Larry Goldbergs sale of the Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection, September 2011 Pre-Long Beach Auction, lot 5131; Ira & Larry Goldbergs Pre-Long Beach Auction of May 2012, lot 1315; Legend Rare Coin Auctions sale of the Dale Friend Collection, Part I, April 2022 Regency Auction 51, lot 47.
