1799 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-159, BB-23. Rarity-4. Stars 8x5. EF-45 (PCGS).Attractive pearl-gray surfaces with glints of reddish-russet and powder blue iridescence in the protected areas around some of the design elements. Otherwise sharply defined for the grade, softness to Libertys bust and in the upper right star field are the result of obverse die swell (see below). BB-159 is a unique die marriage for the 1799 Draped Bust silver dollar in that the obverse stars are arranged eight left, five right. The reason for this configuration is unknown, although it was likely created in error when the engraver accidentally punched eight stars along the left border, realized his mistake, and then completed the die by adding only five stars on the right. Easily identifiable to the naked eye, this is one of the most popular varieties in the entire early dollar series of 1794 to 1803. As an appealing Choice EF, the present example will certainly see spirited bidding at auction. BB Die State III, late. This particular die state, with advanced obverse cracks including one that arcs across the top of Libertys bust, is not specifically described in the 2013 Bowers early dollar reference. An example is plated on page 216 therein, however, with the same pattern of cracks and striking detail as the Millholland specimen. The break up of the obverse die explains the aforementioned swelling to Libertys bust and the associated loss of detail in the star field on the reverse.PCGS# 6881. NGC ID: 24X7.From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
