| Description |
1797 $1 9x7 Stars, Large Letters MS62 NGC. B-1, BB-73, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Both sides display brilliant satin luster with trivial, grade-consistent marks. Splashes of original gold and iridescent toning appear near the obverse border and on the reverse. Although slight central weakness is consistent with the variety, the details, especially on the reverse, are sharper than usually encountered. Obverse Die. This is the second use of the "7 Stars Facing" obverse die, more familiar as the 9x7 Stars obverse that also appears on the scarce B-2, BB-72 dollar. All examples of this variety are in later die states than seen on the B-2, BB-72. Reverse Die. The reverse of B-1, BB-73 appeared in a later die state for the 1798 B-1, BB-82 Small Eagle dollar, known as the 13 Stars variety. Die State. The Newman coin is struck from an early die state with the tiny, pellet-shaped die flaw below star 9 diminished but visible. No evidence of die cracks or clash marks appears on either side of this piece. Slight indications of die lapping are present at the top hair curls and those left of the date. Condition Census. The Newman B-1, BB-73 dollar is listed among the Notable Specimens in the 1993 Bowers-Borckardt reference, but it is inexplicably omitted from the 2013 Encyclopedia. This coin is one of the three finest known examples behind two MS63 NGC pieces, one of which appears to be the plate coin in Bowers' second edition -- likely the Miller specimen. The Cardinal Collection MS63 NGC coin is plated in the American Numismatic Rarities catalog (June 2005, lot 22). In our opinion, the Newman coin retains the most originality and luster of the three. Interested bidders are urged to reach their own conclusions. No other examples of this variety are known in Mint State grades. Appearances. The Newman specimen is the plate coin in the 1993 first edition of the Bowers-Borckardt reference, Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. The reappearance of the reverse with a 1798-dated obverse supports the case that the 1797 B-1, BB-73 dollars may have been struck in 1798. There are 13 die varieties identified for the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, and 10 of those are die linked through the four-year span of the design. A detailed study of die states might reveal the actual striking order. Late die states of the present variety have been observed that were struck after the 1798 B-1, BB-82 dollars, proving that at least some examples of this variety were struck in 1798. The Bowers-Borckardt numbers first presented in 1993 were intended to record the emission sequence of the early dollars within each coinage year. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $75.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $164,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
