1800 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-192, B-19a. Rarity-2. AMERICAI. MS-61 (PCGS).Rare in any Mint State grade with PCGS in their <em>Population Report</em> noting a total of three grading events of this important variety. Furthermore, the coin itself is quite pleasing with fiery russet and silver gray toning that is graced by teal blue and reddish-gold accents near the rims. The strike is bold on the obverse stars, although some of Libertys curls are a trifle soft, similar on the reverse where the peripheral lettering and devices are crisp, but a few of the wing feathers near the shield are not fully struck up. This is the likely outcome given the later die state, noted by the die cracks visible when studied. Free of both adjustment marks and post-production blemishes, the fields and devices are pleasing for their quality with superior eye appeal for the assigned grade. These early Draped Bust dollars are quite difficult to find in Uncirculated condition, and have always been popular with collectors for their large size and dramatic presence. BB Die State III.<p>The obverse die was only used in this die pairing, while the reverse, with its diagnostic die scratch, was used twice. All known examples from this reverse die show this strong die scratch after the final letter A in AMERICA, which has the appearance of an errant I at the end of that word, hence the AMERICAI designation. The variety itself is not particularly rare in an absolute sense, but in Mint State these are truly prized and of Condition Census quality. From the Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III. Earlier ex Chris Napolitano; Ira & Larry Goldbergs sale of the Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection, September 2011, lot 5114; Ira & Larry Goldbergs Pre-Long Beach Sale of May 2012, lot 1307; our Americana Sale of January 2013, lot 13215.
