1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-65, B-5. Rarity-4. Large Date, Small Letters. EF-45 (NGC).This is a richly original example toned in a nicely blended dove gray, lavender-gray and olive-russet patina. Vivid gold, blue and lilac undertones are reserved both for the obverse and for direct lighting angles. Boldly to sharply defined within uniformly denticulated borders, the surfaces are also noteworthy for their predominantly smooth appearance in hand. BB Die State IV. The Bowers-Borckardt 65 attribution corresponds to the Large Date, Small Letters <em>Guide Book</em> variety of the 1796 dollar. After BB-61, this is the most frequently encountered die marriage of the issue in todays market, making it popular with type collectors seeking an example of the challenging Draped Bust, Small Eagle design. Most survivors are in lower grades, suggestive of widespread commercial use, and this premium Choice EF also has the distinction of fully original surfaces. A find for the discerning collector, and worthy of a solid bid.
