An interesting ED

EVillageProwler

The attached reverse image is of BB-93, one of three ED's whose only known reverse die state contains a massive crack.

BB-64 (1796 Bol.6, SmDt-LgLt) is an R.8 variety, with 3 known. It too has a massive vertical die crack at around the same location as BB-93, except that it is more of a line than an arc. As expected, this reverse die was used only with this die marriage.

BB-93 (1798 Bol.5), this variety, is an R.6 variety whose obv die is a Knob 9 variety. This exact specimen is ex Cardinal. This specimen is possibly the 2nd finest known. As with BB-64, the reverse die was used only with this die marriage.

BB-168 (1799 Bol.22) is the final variety. Its reverse die crack is horizontal. This variety is considered to be R.5 by the JRCS, but many feel that this variety is possibly even a high R.3. According to my notes, this reverse die also was used with only this die marriage. This is kind of a surprise to me, since this is considered, at best, to be an R.5 (31 to 80 specimens extant, or thereabouts). That's quite a number for that kind of a failure. Currently, Harry Laibstain Rare Coins has a specimen in their inventory.

Grading these specimens is pretty hard because the early and massive die failure will cause detail loss during the striking process.

EVP

dorkkarl

hey evp, terrific post. i have a gut-feeling that bb-168 is indeed more common than r-5, but no hard numbers to back that up.

these types of die failures are fascinating to study, esp on bust halves where there tend to be a lot more specimens available to show die progression. i especially love the bearded goddess, though i can't afford to own enough specimens to study them as i would like to.

danged finances!

K S

Fairlaneman

One Cool looking coin. Always have liked Die Cracks. Some say they detract from the coin, certainly not for this guy. Thanks EVP for the info.

Hey you are putting the camera to good use. Keep them coming.

Ken

EVillageProwler

Karl,

I seem to have seen quite a number of the BB-168 variety the past two years. Maybe that is due to the hot market drawing out coins, or maybe it's that we've been off on its rarity estimate.

The die crack is pretty bad, but isn't nearly as pronounced as for the other two. Maybe that explains how there can be so many specimens of this variety?

Anyway, I am just speculating. I need to do some research to see if there just may be an earlier die state known...

EVP

cardinal

EVP,

Here's an interesting specimen of the BB-93 dollar from the Spies collection -- an early die state with NO signs of the reverse die break. It was described as possibly unique in the 1974 Stacks sale. (Image from the Stacks catalog.) So, it's possible pre-break specimens might exist for the BB-64 and BB-168. The BB-168 might not be all that rare, but I know I always check 1796 dollars to possibly find a BB-64 (and BB-62 as well) without relying on the die breaks.

EVillageProwler

Wow! That's exciting! I didn't do my own attributing, so I'm gonna trust that the catalog got it correct.

You're right that there just may be pre-crack specimens out there unattributed.

Thanks for the info.

EVP

DAM

Cardinal,

Will your collection by on display around Ohio in 2003?

cardinal

Hello DAM,

I'm working out arrangements for some displays during 2003, and I expect to have the set at the ANA show in Baltimore this summer, but I'm not sure of any shows in Ohio or very nearby. Are there any shows nearby that you would particularly recommend?

--Cardinal

EVillageProwler

Central States is around Ohio, isn't it?

EVP