1799 Draped Bust Dollar Variety
MAN2004
Posts: 158 ✭✭
A family friend inherited some really cool type coins - half cents to dollars. Most of the coins are low to medium grade with modest values. However, one coin has potential to be relatively valuable (ie $1000+). He only sent me obverse photos of the album pages. I was able to expand the photo to get a better look at the 1799 Draped Bust Dollar. It appears to be genuine and 6 stars facing. But, I’m not an expert on 1799 DBD varieties and I’m especially interested in feedback regarding the unusual appearance of the lower lip area. I’d appreciate any feedback. In the meantime I’ll ask for a reverse photo of the album pages so we can get a better look at the this coin’s reverse (eagle, stars, rim, etc.). Thank you in advance!
Micheal
1
Comments
From the image, it looks like Obverse 4 to me, but it also appears to have been lightened up at some point in its life and it has a potentially problematic rim bump at five o'clock. I don't know what the disturbance is on Ms. Liberty's chin, but it might be damage. Similarly, the dark mark in the field between Ms. Liberty's eye and star eight might be a divot in the surfaces.
Please note that I could be wrong about the obverse die.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
That’s great information Tom. I noticed the lower rim issue as well. I’ll bet there are more issues along the areas of the rims we can’t see in the photos. Thank you for your help and expertise!
Not sure what is going on with the chin, as it seems to be a raised area rather than a contact mark.
Once you have the reverse photo, you may be able to use the die variety wizard:
http://www.earlydollars.org/wizarddata.asp?ID=107
Interesting ... Please let us know when you get the other pictures... Or, preferably, the coin in hand for pictures/information. Cheers, RickO
Thank you for the feedback everyone. I just received a photo of the reverse. Please see the attachment.
OK, based on a spur in the left 9, no berries, spidery stars, and reverse die crack above D, I believe this is
Variety: BB-161, B-11, R-2
http://www.earlydollars.org/wizarddata.asp?ID=125
I don't see anything on the chin for the plate coin of that variety, so that remains a mystery.
That’s a great call yosclimber! I’m still baffled by the extra material on Liberty’s lower lip area. I’ve never seen this on a 1799 or any DBD for that mater.
With the new image it appears that it is Obverse 4, as mentioned previously, paired with Reverse I for die marriage B11 in die state b. So, a 1799 DB dollar die marriage B11b. This is an R3.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thank you Tom!