1799 $1 Flowing Hair Dollar ANACS F12 Details BB-168 B-22

Key Features:

• Obverse:
  • The obverse of the 1799 dollar displays the Draped Bust of Liberty, facing right, with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot. Liberty is depicted with a ribbon at the back of her hair, and her profile is surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original states. Above Liberty is the word “LIBERTY,” and below, the date “1799.”
• Reverse:
  • The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, based on the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and preparedness for defense. Above the eagle, there are 13 stars and a glory of clouds, surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” There is no denomination on the coin, as the size itself indicated its value.
• Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper.
• Weight: Approximately 26.96 grams.
• Diameter: 39-40 mm.

Grade and Condition:

• ANACS F12 Details (Fine 12 Details):
  • This grade signifies a coin with moderate wear, where major details of Liberty and the eagle are visible, though lacking fine details due to circulation. The “Details” designation indicates that the coin has some surface issues (possibly cleaning or environmental wear) that prevent it from being in a straight grade, but it still maintains the overall structure and appeal of the design.

Variety Attribution (BB-168, B-22):

• The BB-168 (B-22) variety is identified by specific die markers and unique characteristics:
  • Obverse: The date “1799” shows a slight slant, with “9” placed near Liberty’s bust, a distinguishing feature for this variety. The stars on the obverse are arranged in a 10-left, 6-right pattern around Liberty’s head.
  • Reverse: The reverse die shows certain characteristics unique to this BB-168 (B-22) variety, including irregularities in the positioning of stars above the eagle and specific die cracks that are distinct to this die pairing.

Historical Context:

• Draped Bust Dollar Series:
  • The Draped Bust dollar series was minted from 1795 to 1804. The 1799 dollar, part of the Flowing Hair Draped Bust type, was issued during a period of growth for the U.S. Mint, which faced challenges in producing consistent coinage due to limited technology and materials. This series reflects early U.S. design aesthetics and efforts to symbolize national identity.
• Economic and Political Significance:
  • The silver dollar was a valuable coin intended for significant transactions and held a prominent place in commerce. It also represented America’s aspirations for economic stability and independence in an era when foreign currency still circulated widely.

Mintage & Rarity:

• Mintage:
  • The mintage of all 1799 dollars is estimated to be around 423,515 coins, but due to their age, many have been lost, melted down, or heavily worn. Each die variety within the year has a lower subset of survivors, adding to the appeal of variety collectors.
• Rarity in This Grade:
  • In Fine condition with an identifiable die variety, the 1799 Draped Bust Dollar is a prized piece for early American coin collectors. Higher grades are exceedingly rare, and coins in Fine condition or better are often sought for the detail and history they preserve, especially with specific variety attributions.

Market Appeal:

• Collector Demand:
  • Collectors of early American coins highly prize Draped Bust dollars, especially 1799 examples with identifiable varieties. The BB-168 variety attracts collectors focused on early U.S. die varieties and those interested in the Draped Bust series as a whole.
• Investment Potential:
  • As one of the earliest silver dollar issues and with strong collector interest in American numismatic history, the 1799 Draped Bust dollar has a stable investment potential. Its age, historical importance, and relatively low survival rate in collectible grades contribute to its value.

Conclusion:

The 1799 $1 Flowing Hair Dollar ANACS F12 Details BB-168 (B-22) is a remarkable piece of American numismatic history. Its historical context, early date, and identifiable variety make it a valuable addition for collectors of early American coins. The combination of its Fine grade with identifiable variety details gives it both aesthetic and historical significance.