This is an unattributed 1798 with poor photos so the attribution is somewhat suspect. I believe it is a S-176 R4. The reverse is worn where the usual diagnostic above the R is so I'm using the chip in the berry under E to call it Reverse O. A distant legend with the HWH just left of the upright of R and finished top hair to call Obverse 28. Better photos should show the vertical crack in the field above the bust. http://cgi.ebay.com/1798-US-LARGE-C...96?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item43a9076dcc
I know he has at times. I am just waiting for the tip for the 1799 or 1793 chain for myself. Then maybe I can sneak in and steal one.
I hit more than I miss, but my misses are usually shots at something different rather than something attributed. However, I have on occasion become so wrapped up in the minutia that the obvious eludes me. I've picked up around a 15 unattributed R5s (some damaged) over the past couple of years and several more nice coins from poor photos like an VF S-61 R4+. My best find was a S-53 R6. Unfortunately, about six more people also saw it and overbid me by $1000.
I came close. There was a very poor 1799 S-188 which was only identifiable by the late die state crack at RTY. That's a pretty long leap, but was picked up by someone else for about $150.
Well if you see another let me know - I might not win, but I will make sure it goes for more than $150.
