My first major purchase of U.S. in five years

This is the first major U.S. coin purchase I have made in about 5 years. The reason that I bought it is because I've been looking for a reasonably priced, nice example of this coin for over a decade. It's not rare, and is rated an R-2, but it's also quite popular. Many of the pieces that I have seen at the shows were high priced or had problems that caused me to reject them. Here is my photo of the piece.




My interest is this variety rests in the fact that it is believed to have been the first Draped Bust design coin. The Draped Bust design has attracted me since I was kid collector in high school. I have always thought that it was very attractive, and wanted to form a type collection of these pieces. I went even further and formed a "Red Book" collection of the early half dimes, minus the 1802 which out of my financial reach.

When the die sinker was preparing this die, he punched the bust design in too far to the left. Since dies were expensive, he proceeded and finished the die. This probably explains the center dot was placed on the die for many future die sinkings. The goal was to get the design placed properly on the coin.

This piece is a PCGS graded VF-35, gold shield. It does not have a CAC sticker, and I imagine that it failed to get one. The dealer from whom I bought this piece usually sends his coins to CAC for an approval, and he made it a point to say that it was not a non-CAC example. I don't know why it failed, but it may have saved me a few dollars. It really doesn't matter to me because, given the price paid, the coin pleases me. And no it was not "bargain priced."

To complete the circle, here an 1795 Bust Dollar with the bust properly centered on the piece. Experts disagree as to which one is rarer or "more common."

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Gorgeous. That is one beautiful coin that anyone would proud to have in their collection. Congratulations.

 

That's a lovely piece, John. Congrats on fulfilling the 'hunt'..........

 

Very nice. The old adage of " Good things come to those who wait " has been proved. Thanks for sharing

 

Beautiful!

 

It's a beautiful coin, congratulations! The difference in the placement of the busts is subtle - I wouldn't have noticed unless you had pointed it out. I've spent some time looking at these types myself without finding one I liked at an acceptable price.

 

Wow!

 

Beautiful coin, especially the portrait! Thanks for sharing.

 

I'd be proud to add that one to my collection. Nice coin.

 

Be careful NOT to buy a bust too far to the left dollar dated 1796. The Chinese have made one, and it's no good.

 

Beautiful John & congrats.

 

If you're going to wait five years to buy a coin - GO BIG OR GO HOME!

Absolutely lovely piece an' well worth the wait - one of my pet peeves with Bust dollars is many of them got a wiping at some point. Not yours, it has a nice even and old patina that serves to highlight that it is an all original coin. Obviously it had a short circulation cycle and was set aside by a collector long ago.

 

Congrats on the long awaited purchase. I wish I had one of my own!

 

Fantastic coin. IMO, it really doesn't matter if it cac'ed or not, the coin speaks for itself. In the long run, I think it will be a bargain.

 

Nice coin. I still want to add a couple pre-1800 coins to my collection before rigor sets in.

 

Congrats......beautiful coin.

 

Does anybody have a link or explanation on how you compute those "R" scores for various coins ?

They're not on any TPG labels I have seen.

 

You can find the Rarity levels in the specific reference volumes

 

JEALOUS!
I have a 1799 graded @ VG8 that I got in a trade. Have not sent it in for CAC as I do not think it would get a green bean.
Semper Fi.
Phil

 

gimme