5302

1799/8 S$1 15 Stars Reverse MS64 NGC. B-3, BB-141, R.3

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1799/8 S$1 15 Stars Reverse MS64 NGC. B-3, BB-141, R.3
<B>1799/8<img border='0' src='http://www.heritagecoins.com/images/star.gif' width=10 height=10>$1> 15 Stars Reverse MS64 NGC.</B></I> B-3, BB-141, R.3. Die State III. The Obverse 1 of this year, the only overdate die, has a 9 punched over an 8. The last 9 in the date is extremely close to the bust. The 13 obverse stars are close, but the letters of LIBERTY are wide. On the reverse, there are <I>15 stars,</B></I> although the first and last stars in the top row are mostly concealed beneath cloud 1 and cloud 8, so that only two points of each star show.<BR> The BB-141 is the most common 1799 variety, which makes the 1799/8 overdate and blundered reverse die available to a wide range of collectors. It is even "plentiful" in Mint State, according to Bowers-Borckardt. This phenomenal near-Gem piece, however, approaches the upper end of the Condition Census as enumerated in that reference. Lush, deep toning in hues of lilac, amber, and iridescent blue fail to impede the brilliant luster that radiates from the somewhat prooflike surfaces. The strike is essentially full and impeccable, with no obvious weakness. Light clash marks are visible on each side: above stars 10-13 from the reverse dentils, and on the reverse above OF from the bust. The 9 over 8 overdate is extremely bold. There is also a strong die crack above ATES, which does not appear to be mentioned in Bowers-Borckardt. That reference lists among its "Notable Specimens" a single coin in MS64 (Rarcoa, Auction '83, 1983, lot 1162), but that coin is described as "brilliant." This toned specimen, of equal grade, appears to tied atop the Condition Census of known examples of this variety, although NGC has certified several higher-grade, unattributed 1799 varieties. A search through our own auction records reveals that this is also the <I>single highest-graded of this variety we have offered since we began keeping auction records more than a dozen years ago.</B></I>