Sept. 23-24, 2002, The Pre-Long Beach Auction

Sept. 23-24, 2002, The Pre-Long Beach Auction, Sale 16
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Dollars

Flowing Hair Dollars

The Finest Known 1798 B-32, BB-91 Rarity

Lot 501
1798. Heraldic eagle reverse, large eagle, knob 9, B-32, BB-91. low R-7, URS-5. The Finest Known. PCGS graded AU-55. This example is simply amazing to behold. The surfaces are alive with bright luster and the highest points on Liberty's head scarcely show a trace of wear. Toned around the periphery with rich gold and blue highlights, with the centers light gold to frosty white in color. Minor hairlines from circulation are the only signs of handling to be found. Not only is this a scarce "knob 9" date, but it is the extremely rare die pairing, one of the three rarest of all 1798! The obverse die was first used to coin the small eagle B-1, BB-82, then was paired with this reverse die. Examination will note a tiny centering circle on the eagle's chest, just above the center point on the shield, and this was likely a compass point used by Robert Scot to lay out and engrave this die. Perhaps this was the first heraldic eagle reverse die made, as it is die linked to the small eagle issues of 1798, and is the only known variety that can make that claim. Further, the obverse die failed very rapidly, first by swelling at the sixth and seventh stars and L of LIBERTY, all of which are sharper here than seen on any other example known. On most of this variety seen, the sixth and seventh stars are flat and usually can't be seen as well as the L of LIBERTY. Two light die cracks extend from the lower rim up into the drapery, one just right of the 8 in the date, the other further to the right into the drapery above. This obverse was severely lapped while the small eagle coins were being struck, and may have been lapped again before this variety was struck. Obviously, very few were made, as about a dozen or so are known in all grades today, most in grades of Fine to Very Fine. One of the most important coins in the San Marino collection and truly an American classic in every sense.
As a variety, the Bolender-32 was first reported in the sale of the Ostheimer collection by Superior in 1975. Over the years a few more specimens have turned up, mostly in lower grades.
The Condition census for this variety is as follows: 1). PCGS AU-55, The present specimen. 2). AU-55 (raw), Midwest Specialist's Collection. 3). XF-40 (raw) ex: Midwest Specialist's Collection to the San Marino Collection, sold Bowers Lindesmith Sale, 3/24/00:2066. 4). XF-40 (raw) East Coast Collection. 5). XF-40 reported, JRCS Early Dollar survey, 9/2000. 6). XF-40 reported, JRCS Early Dollar survey, 9/2000. There are approximately 12 known of this variety, with the balance seen between the grades of VG and VF.
Estimated Value $15,000-25,000.
Ex: John J. Haugh 8/5/98 at the Portland, Oregon ANA show and previously from the Cardinal Collection, no prior pedigree information yet located and from the San Marino Collection.

The Finest Known 1798 B-33, BB-117 Dollar

Lot 502
1798. Heraldic eagle reverse, B-33, BB-117, R-8, URS-4, The Finest of 3 known. PCGS graded AU-53. A splendid example even if this was a common variety, but this is anything but common, as only 3 have been located since this die pairing was discovered in the early 1970s. The discovery coin soon ended up in a Delaware collection where it still resides, and this specimen is the plate coin in the Bowers/Borckardt book. A famous bust dollar collector named W. Earl Spies (Stack's 12/74) somehow secured two examples of this variety, and these were offered when he sold his collection at auction. The present example is the finer of the two Spies coins, and is plated in that sale.
The surfaces are toned a light silver gray color, with much luster present in the fields. The reverse die failed very early, and all three known examples display a die crack through the right side of the T of UNITED, massive die swelling in the field at the right and into the wing of the eagle, and the crack continues to the left side of the M in AMERICA, which on the present specimen is fairly light. When this coin was struck, the reverse die was buckling, and somehow this may have produced a double profile on Liberty's face and neck, similar to the double profiles seen on bust half dollars from the 1820s. Identifiable by a few minor planchet flakes around the six and seventh stars on the obverse and the L nearby, and we note a minor dig hidden in Liberty's hair curls above her shoulder. No bumps or adjustment marks otherwise worth noting.
Here we see the shortest useage of any reverse die of 1798. On this particular coin we note that it is the earliest die state seen, as both other examples known display a more advanced die crack spanning the reverse. The obverse die was paired with a total of 7 different reverse dies, and this pairing was about midway in the emission sequence.
The rarest coin in the entire San Marino Collection, with just 3 specimens known of this die pairing as follows:
1). PCGS AU-53, the present specimen, ex: Spies 12/74:111 and Blevins 6/88:3699.
2). ICG AU-50, ex: Spies 12/74:112, East Coast Collection.
3). AU-50 (raw), East Coast Collection, plated in the Bowers Book for the variety.
No others have been located, and all others rumored to exist have been proven misattributed over the years.
Estimated Value $35,000-50,000.
Ex: Stack's W. Earl Spies Sale, 12/74:111, purchased by Blevins approximately 1985, Superior's Blevins Sale, 6/88:3699 to the San Marino Collection.

Lustrous Mint State 1799/8 Bust Dollar

Lot 503
1799. 9 over 8, reverse with 13 stars, B-1, BB-142, R-4, URS-11. PCGS graded MS-62. One of the very finest known of this important overdate variety, we note flashy luster in the fields and toned with just a bit of haze on the obverse while the reverse has blue and gold peripheral toning. Although this is a very late reverse die state, the coin is well struck which is unusual for the variety. Even the horizontal shield lines are complete, although a couple of small areas show weakness, which is far better than usual for this variety. As one peruses the famous offerings of high grade examples of this variety, one notes most are struck on streaky planchets, with small irregular impurities that can be located with a strong glass. In particular, we note a couple of trivial ones, one just right of the first star, another horizontal line just below the ribbon at the first curl down Liberty's neck (these will help trace the pedigree of this specimen in the future).
One single obverse die was used to create 3 different die pairings (using 3 different reverse dies) of the 1799/8 overdate. Apparently an unused 1798 obverse die was found in 1799, and a 9 was punched over the final 8, creating this overdate. Here we note the reverse die failed at the I of AMERICA and soon numerous cracks encircled the reverse and that die was replaced. Of great importance to the specialist or Registry set collector, as this overdate is very rare in any certified mint state grade. In fact, PCGS has graded only 3 this high, with 2 coins graded higher.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
This is not the Carter, Chalkley, Aspen, Auction 84, Wolfson or French specimen.

Lot 504
1799. 9 over 8, reverse with 13 stars, B-1, BB-142, R-4, URS-11. NGC graded AU-58. Toned with dark steel gray and iridescent gold on both sides. Boldly struck by the dies, with the overdate feature clear under magnification. A trace of wear on the high points, and the surfaces show light evidence of brief circulation. An impressive example of this scarce die variety, and with the added feature of the overdate completes the appeal.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.

Lot 505
1799, 9 over 8. 13 stars on reverse, B-1, BB-142, R-4, URS-11. PCGS graded AU-55. Some luster remains on this popular overdate issue, and the color is a light silver throughout. We note a couple of minor rough streaks on Liberty and the left field. Scarce this nice, PCGS has graded 7 this high with 13 higher in various grades. All seen show the die lumps on the I of AMERICA and scattered small die lumps on both sides as well.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.

Lot 506
1799, B-6, BB-162, R-4, URS-10. PCGS graded VF-30. Light silvery gray in color with lovely surfaces and a decent strike as well. Totally problem free in every way, and a scarce die variety.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,500.
Ex: J. J. Teaparty, Liz Coggan privately to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 507
1799, B-7a, BB-156, R-4, URS-10. One of the Finest Known. PCGS graded AU-53. Deep blue gray in color and boldly struck by the dies. The surfaces are exceptional, there are no distracting marks, bumps or adjustment marks to be found. Struck near the end of the reverse die's life, there are several encircling cracks which are fairly heavy on this specimen. So far as reported in the John Reich Journal Bust Dollar condition census (September 2000), this is the second finest known of the variety. The reverse die is completely shattered, with several cracks, including one from the rim left of the U of UNITED, another into the second S of STATES, an arcing crack from the M of AMERICA through the shield, out the upper left point to the first three clouds out the A of STATES. Bowers die state III, the terminal state seen.
The Condition census is as follows: 1). ICG AU-58, East Coast Collection, probably the Hollinbeck/Kagin AU-58 in Bowers Notable Specimens. 2). PCGS AU-53, the present specimen, ex: Cardinal Collection, late die state. 3). AU-50, reported, JRCS Early Dollar Census, 9/2000. 4). AU-50, reported, JRCS Early Dollar Census, 9/2000. 5). AU-50, Bebee's advertisement, Numismatist, May 1953, possibly listed above or below. 6). EF-45, Four Landmark Collections, Midwest Specialist's Collection, plate coin Bowers book, late die state. 7). EF-45, Bowers & Merena's Bebee Sale, 8/89:407 early die state.
Estimated Value $5,000-7,500.
Ex: Heritage's ANA sale, 7/97:6496, as NGC AU-55, ex: Cardinal Collection and the San Marino Collection.

Lot 508
1799. Irregular date, reverse with 13 stars, B-13, BB-151, R-5, URS-7. PCGS graded EF-40. One of three scarcest varieties of the year, on par in rarity with the B-18, BB-154 and the B-19, BB-155. This particular coin boasts light golden luster with pale rose hues on both sides with darker flecks of sea green and blue hugging the devices. This coin could easily have graded five points higher, as Liberty retains good definition on her upper curls, however, the reverse shows central weakness caused more by the way this die was engraved than wear, as the central devices are always weak. As nice as this die pairing is usually found, with only 2 or perhaps 3 true AU coins known at the top of the census, followed by perhaps 4 that qualify as EF-40 to 45 for the balance of the condition census. Rare and underrated!
Quickly identifiable on the reverse by die flaws between the two lower right stars, just above the motto ribbon and right wing. The obverse is the "irregular date", with the first 9 leaning left at the top and well out of alignment with the other three digits. This obverse was used with three different reverses, all of which are scarce to rare as varieties.
This coin was purchased by the San Marino Collection in 1999, and the duplicate lower grade specimen sold in Bower's Lindesmith Sale, 3/2000:2075 NGC graded VF-30 which realized $1,955. The present specimen should bring much more.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Ex: Steve Fischer at the Chicago ANA Show, August 11, 1999 and from the San Marino Collection.

Lot 509
1799, B-14, BB-160, R-3, URS-10. PCGS graded EF-45. Light steel gray and very choice for the grade. This coin was purchased a few years ago in a PCGS AU-50 holder. Scarce this nice and probably well within the top six coins known for the variety. Abundant luster and sharply struck, with full separation on Liberty's upper curls. This is actually a slightly better variety, and at this grade level at the low end of the condition census.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Ex: Heritage privately 4/1/99 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 510
1799. Irregular date, 13 stars on reverse, B-15, BB-152, R-4, URS-10. VG-8. Cleaned and we note some rubber bands streaks on both sides.
Estimated Value $400-450.

Lot 511
1799, B-16b, BB-158, R-2, URS-11. PCGS graded AU-50. A very late die state of this common variety, the obverse die was shattered into smitherines when this one was struck. The surfaces show the usual signs of contact but there are no distracting marks or adjustments. Luster resides in the fields beneath a nice light gray tone. Identifiable by a pair of toning spots on the rim over ER of AMERICA.
Estimated Value $3,200-3,700.

Lot 512
1799, B-16b, BB-158, R-2, URS-11. ICG graded AU-50. A very late die state of this common variety, with multiple obverse cracks. Toned a deep smoky gray gold color on both sides. The reverse die is also rotated about 20 degrees counter clockwise. We note a thin vertical scratch on Liberty's neck. A coin to be inspected and studied, as the die state is quite fascinating.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.

Lot 513
1799, B-16b, BB-158, R-2, URS-11. ICG graded AU-50. This is Bowers die state IV, and the obverse had completely shattered when this one was struck. Toned a mottled blue and gold color on the obverse, the reverse is toned a smoky blue gold color. Identifiable by a spot on the upper eighth star near the rim.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.

Rare Condition Census 1799 B-18, BB-154 Early Die State

Lot 514
1799, B-18, BB-154, R-5, URS-7. The Bowers Plate Coin. PCGS graded AU-50. One of just a few known without the heavy reverse die break, and a very impressive coin in this grade. Listed in the Bowers notable specimens as "AU-55" from the Brooks Collection of 1989. Light gray in color with strong luster in the fields and within Liberty's curls, we also note traces of gold around the edges, and gunmetal blue in the fields. Booming eye appeal and boldly struck. Certainly high in the condition census and tied for the third finest known with one other behind a single certified MS-62 coin and an AU-55. This is the rarest of the 1799 varieties, and it is extremely rare in this early die state with just a couple of coins reported without any trace of the reverse die crack between ED of UNITED.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Brooks Sale, 6/11/89:246 and purchased privately from Julian Leidman 10/31/94 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 515
1799, B-18a, BB-154, R-5, URS-7. PCGS graded VF-25. A very late die state example of this scarce variety. In fact, this coin has an obverse crack which is unlisted in the Bowers reference, which is seen down from the rim at the third star, through the first three stars and nearly touching the lowest curl on Liberty. Another crack is seen extending horizontally from the third star towards Liberty's neck. The reverse die cracks are very advanced, and central weakness is noted because of the die state. Light steel gray and no doubt rare in this late die state. Importantly, this obverse break is not known on another example of this die pairing, and therefore the subsequent use of this obverse on B-19, BB-155 it is apparent that all would show this obverse crack to some degree (under BB-155, B-19 Bowers lists a Die State 1 as perfect obverse, but notes it "may not exist"). A rare terminal die state example.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
Ex: Premier Precious Metals, 2/02 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 516
1799, B-19, BB-155, R-5, URS-8. PCGS graded VF-25. Light steel gray and well struck despite the heavy obverse die crack through the first three stars. Weakly struck on a few of the reverse stars above the eagle. A scarce variety, and one of the four rarest of the year. All struck show the obverse die cracks through the first three stars to some degree.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
Ex: Steve Fischer 6/4/98 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 517
1799, B-22, BB-168, R-5, URS-10. PCGS graded EF-40. A choice example of this scarce variety, the obverse is toned a light gray on the upper left, with gold toning over luster on the lower right half of the coin. All known examples have the sharp bisecting horizontal reverse die break, and the die must have broken as soon as this die was placed on the coining press, probably on the very first coin struck. Curiously, the reverse die broke in such a way that the reverse is always very sharply struck, while the obverse is always quite weak. As the obverse is so weak, very few of these grade as high as AU, with the two finest reported both at the AU-50 level in the John Reich September 2000 Bust dollar census. This particular example includes a complex crack up from the rim between the 17 in the date, the primary crack extends from the rim up between the 17 where it terminates near the top of those digits, branching cracks extend left just above the lower serif of the 1 and continues up just missing the two lower curls on Liberty. The right branch of this crack goes through the lower parts of 799. Another crack is seen from the rim through the ninth star towards the top of Liberty's head. Obverse die lumps in the field before Liberty's eye, another near the rim by the tenth star. This is likely close to the shattered die state reported in the Pine Tree 9/74:1028 sale noted in the Bowers Borckardt Encyclopedia under die state III, and as such very rare. The most recent sale of this variety was an AU-50 in Heritage's 4/26/02:6704 at $5,750.
This one is likely in the Condition Census for the variety, with 2 AU-50 coins reported, and one as EF-45, next comes a small cluster of EF-40 coins, probably all within the top six of the variety, including this specimen. Curiously, a collector hoarded this variety for many years, acquiring a total of 26 pieces! These were offered in Bowers ANA sale, 8/89 in various sections and group lots, the best in that hoard was EF-40 raw.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Ex: Bowers & Ruddy's Springfield Sale, 9/22/81:242, purchased privately from Jim McGuigan 1995 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 518
1799. 8 stars left, 5 right, B-23b, BB-159, R-4, URS-11. Terminal obverse die break. Sharpness of EF-40 but retoned. A very rare coin that displays the very rare terminal obverse die break which extends from just below the first star across Liberty's chest in a wavy fashion to just below the last star. Additional breaks can be seen arcing from the fourth to eighth star, and another minor crack from the rim to the upper point of the tenth star. The reverse die has been lapped as always for this die pairing and shows no additional cracks. Probably cleaned and retoned with dark gray hues on the obverse and reverse. Sharply struck despite the die state, and one of perhaps half a dozen reported with this terminal die crack.
The 8 X 5 stars is a rare die pairing. Only a single obverse die shows this star arrangement. The finest seen with the obverse die crack is the Carter coin, and just a handful of others have been reported in specialists collections.
Estimated Value $2,000-UP.
Ex: Allstate Coins, the late Elliot Goldman 6/2/90 to the San Marino Collection.

Condition Census AU 1800 B-1, BB-181 Bust Dollar

Lot 519
1800, B-1, BB-181, R-5, URS-8. Condition Census for the variety. PCGS graded AU-50. A top Condition Census example of this rare variety. The fields are bathed in luster and toned with a desirable light golden gray color on both sides. Collectors who appreciate such things will note this is how a bust dollar "should" look, complete with old dirt in the lettering and devices--a clear indication that this coin has not been cleaned or enhanced. The obverse die quickly developed a lump on the right of the first star, and this provides quick and easy attribution, as this obverse was only used to produce this one die pairing. Further, the obverse has several die lumps in the field, mostly near the stars, especially around the eleventh star. Identifiable by two short, hidden scratches on the first cloud below the S of STATES.
This reverse was later paired with the very rare B-2, BB-182, with the sharply doubled first T in STATES. Certainly in the top six of the variety (and the John Reich Condition Census from September, 2000) and we personally feel that the quality of the surfaces on this coin place it very near the top of those known for the variety.
The Condition Census for the variety is as follows: (Note, the New Netherlands 48th sale coin listed as first in the Bowers Notable Specimens only grades VF+, not MS-60 as indicated, also with a rim bruise.) 1). AU-55 reported JRCS Early Dollar survey, 9/2000. 2). PCGS AU-53, Cardinal Collection, Heritage 4/27/02:6709 at $8,050. 3). ICG AU-53, East Coast Collection. 4). PCGS AU-50, the present specimen. 5). AU-50 raw, East Coast Collection. 6). AU-50 raw, Midwest Specialist's Collection. 7). EF-45 reported JRCS Early Dollar survey, 9/2000.
Estimated Value $5,000-7,500.
Ex: Steve Fischer privately 9/24/98 to the San Marino Collection.

Extremely Rare 1800 B-2, BB-182 Draped Bust Dollar

Lot 520
1800, B-2, BB-182, high R-6, URS-6. High Condition Census for this rare variety. PCGS graded EF-45. One of the rarest die combinations of 1800, a touch behind the extremely rare B-20, BB-185. The consignor waited for many years to find a decent specimen of this variety, and very few have been offered over the years. We note mottled gray toning with gold flecks within letters and devices over traces of luster. A darker streak of color is noted on Liberty's face extending down to her chest. Clean surfaces for the grade, with no disturbing marks or rim bumps. The condition census from the John Reich Journal from September 2000 notes the finest as AU-58 which is held in an east coast collection, and another listed as AU-50, but this coin has been cleaned and resides in a different east coast collection. Next would be this particular specimen at EF-45, and below that the census drops to VF-30. Arguably tied for the second finest with one other specimen, this piece should receive well deserved attention from specialists.
As a variety, this is the only die combination that incorporates the double R of LIBERTY and doubled first T of STATES, and hence is a naked eye variety. Virtually all known show weakness in the right wing on the eagle, likely caused by die failure. On this particular coin we note a crack from the rim to the middle crossbar of the first A in AMERICA, which branches both left and right, continuing up to the F in OF. This specimen is extremely well struck for the variety, with full stars, and only slight weakness on the right wing of the eagle. Identifiable by a thin scratch in the field behind the lowest ribbon end on the obverse, and a tiny nick on the upper left point of the tenth star. A foremost opportunity and a great rarity that is seldom offered.
An extremely rare coin in all grades, and a variety that is very seldom offered. The Condition Census is as follows: 1). ICG AU-58, East Coast Collection. 2). AU-50 raw, East Coast Collection. 3). PCGS XF-45, the present specimen. 4). XF-45, Stack's French Sale, 1/19/89:1019. 5). net XF-40, AU-55 several surface digs, Heritage 3/20/97:5346 not sold; Stack's 12/3/98:1410. 6). VF-30, DeCoppet specimen, Stack's Lovi sale, 1968:296. 7). VF-30, Superior's Willasch Sale, 5/27/90:555. 8). PCGS VF-25, Superior's Chalkley Sale, 1/28/1990:2888; Heritage 7/31/97:6498 at $2,875. 9). NGC VF-25 Heritage 8/6/98:8065 not sold.
Estimated Value $7,500-12,500.
Ex: Coin Galleries Sale, 11/5/97:3014 and the San Marino Collection.

Colorful 1800 B-3, BB- 183 Draped Bust Dollar

Lot 521
1800, B-3, BB-183, R-5, URS-7. Wild blue and gold toning. PCGS graded EF-40. This coin has a curious story, it was purchased in 1990 in a PCGS AU-50 holder, but the coin was toned a very dull gray. The owner removed it from the holder and had it professionally dipped. The coin was then placed on a window sill and allowed to tone for about a year in the San Marino sunshine and dry air of California. As you can see, it developed wild blue and gold toning on the obverse, somewhat irregular, while the reverse was more organized with deep gold clear to the center, and vibrant ocean cove blue at the extreme rim. The coin is quite lustrous in the fields, and this is very evident despite the colorful toning array. Regardless of the grade today, this is a very attractive coin and an extremely rare variety as well. It is certainly in the mid range of the Condition census behind one reported mint state example (not seen, New Netherlands 48th sale of 1956, plated), and the AU-50 Bolender/Baldenhofer/Ostheimer East Coast Collection coin. Clearly one of the best of this rare die variety and worthy of a top notch variety collection, with both better or similar higher grade specimens tied up in major collections.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex: Allstate Coins, the late Elliot Goldman 2/89 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 522
1800, B-4a, BB-186, R-4, URS-9. Terminal obverse die state. PCGS graded AU-50. Struck very late in the obverse dies life, with the terminal cracks noted in the Bolender book for B-4a, or Bowers die state III. Toned a medium gold to gray color, with substantial luster in the fields. There are some horizontal adjustment marks on Liberty and at the top of the obverse. Weakly struck on the back ribbon on Liberty, as always, as the obverse die had shattered when this one was struck. There is a heavy crack arcing up from the first star to the B of LIBERTY and another major crack through the 1 to the twelfth star through Liberty's neck. Massive die swelling on the upper left obverse, and weak at the corresponding area on the left wing of the eagle. A minor rim tick above the L on the obverse, and on the reverse above the TE of STATES will serve to identify this one, and a minor scratch is noted near the ribbon (very similar to the Bolender plate coin), but this is a later die state with the obverse crack now extending into star twelve. This is the finest coin graded according to the John Reich Journal Bust dollar census (September 2000), but we know of a PCGS AU-58 piece which we sold in February of 2002, and at least one other probably qualifies as AU-55, the Ebsen coin which is an early die state, and an AU late die state offered in Stack's New England Sale, 10/88:1970.
Estimated Value $3,500-5,000.
Ex: Stack's Sale 5/6/97:623 to the San Marino Collection.

Stunning 1800 B-5, BB-189 Bust Dollar

Lot 523
1800, B-5, BB-189, R-5, URS-9. Possibly tied for Finest Known. PCGS graded AU-50. This is the Finest example listed in the John Reich Journal's Bust dollar census of September 2000, and also bests those noted in the Bowers Borckardt notable specimens, although there are 4 noted as EF-45 (possible duplication), but as far as we know, only one other example to qualify as AU-50 was recently offered in Heritage's Hering Sale, 1-10-02:7227 as NGC AU-50. The present specimen has less wear on the Liberty's hair, and we believe has nicer surfaces and toning. Splendid light silvery gray in color, with most of the luster in the protected areas. This is a different example and apparently not listed in the Bowers Borckardt notable specimens, and was purchased privately. Boldly struck and highly appealing. As a variety, this one is quite scarce and we suspect that only 50 or so are known of the variety. In particular, this is an early die state of the obverse, with no trace of the terminal crack through the B to Liberty's hair.
The year 1800 presents many challenges to the variety specialist. A few of the varieties are very common, but several are rare to extremely rare, and obtaining an example of each known die marriage can take many, many years. The Condition Census for this variety is as follows: 1). PCGS AU-50, The present specimen. 2). NGC AU-50, Heritage's Hering Sale, 1/10/02:7227 at $3,335. 3-6) XF-45, multiple examples as noted in Bowers Notable Specimens.
Estimated Value $3,000-5,000.
Ex: the late John J. Haugh 2/12/98 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 524
1800, B-8, BB-188, R-4, URS-9. PCGS graded EF-40. Choice for the grade, with medium gray toning over lustrous fields. The strike is sharp, and there are no flaws worth noting. This is Bowers Borckardt die state IV (final die state seen) with the reverse cracks through AMERICA. A scarce variety that is difficult to locate in high grades. While not in the condition census for the variety, this coin is certainly better than most offered, and would be difficult to upgrade. Identifiable by a toning spot over the eagle's head between the two stars above. A single mint state specimen is reported, and three AU coins are noted below that in the John Reich Early Dollar Census of 9/2000.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,500.
Ex: Heritage's ANA sale, 8/8/98:8069 to the San Marino Collection.

Lot 525
1800. Wide date, low 8, B-10a, BB-190, R-3, URS-11. ICG graded AU-53. Dark steel gray toning with lighter shades on the devices. A late die state with several cracks on the reverse, and we note the reverse die is rotated about 20 degree counter clockwise. Any luster present is covered over by toning. This is Bowers die state VII, and about as late as any seen from this reverse.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Ex: Warren Miller collection, probably upgraded by a finer example and this coin was sold.

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