-40%

1798 Draped Bust Dollar NGC VF Details Major Die Breaks & Noticeably Off Center!

$ 947.75

Availability: 60 in stock
  • Year: 1798
  • Circulated/Uncirculated: Circulated
  • Certification Number: 6065441-006
  • Mint Location: Philadelphia
  • Strike Type: Business
  • Grade: VF 25
  • Denomination:
  • Composition: Silver
  • Modified Item: No
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Certification: NGC
  • Coin: Draped Bust

    Description

    This is a remarkably interesting coin that really illustrates why I think early American dollars are one of the most interesting issues in all of numismatics.  This 1798 Draped Bust Dollar certified as VF Details / Graffiti (you can see the letter B in the obverse on the lower half of the portrait) is accurately typed as a B-28 variety.  The die breaks on this coin are astounding. The obverse displays its major die break running from about the 6:00 position on the rim up through the date, then to the left and up through the stars. The reverse die breaks are even more prominent, especially where there is a HUGE die break at the base of the arrows in between the eagle tail feathers and the U of United. Another die break runs from the top left of the arrows and into the eagle's left wing. Basically both of these dies had to be approaching the end of their useful lives, but in early American coinage that wasn't an excuse to stop using them!
    But the most interesting part of this coin is that it is obviously struck from either misaligned dies or just simply off center. The off-centering is apparent on both sides but is especially visible on the reverse. It's not uncommon to see these early dollars a little out of whack, but this one is VERY close to being identifiable as a true error coin.  On the left side of the reverse the denticles are clearly separated from the edge of the planchet. On the right side of the reverse, the tops of the letters touch the edge of the rim and the tip of the eagle's wing is clearly off the planchet. There are no denticles on the right side at all. I think a determined person who wanted the grading label identified as either off-center or misaligned dies would have a very strong case; this coin looks to me like it is 3% to 5% off center which would make it a real rarity among early dollars. Take a look at my eBay listing of a 10% off center Draped Bust dollar and you'll get a feeling for how much value is added to the coin if a grading service identifies it as an off-center error.
    This coin has tons of character and speaks to me as a really terrific example of early American coinage.  Thanks very much for looking!  Free insured shipping to the lucky new owner!