In 1798, the United States Mint replaced the classic Small Eagle reverse with the more majestic Heraldic Eagle design on the Draped Bust Dollar. This major transition transformed the look of America’s silver dollar.
- The Small Eagle reverse debuted in 1795 and remained in circulation for a few years.
- By 1798, both Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle varieties circulated.
- Roughly 235,000 dollars were struck in 1798, most featuring the newer Heraldic Eagle reverse rarecoinwholesalers.com, 14CoinWeek, and 14CoinWeek+14.
This was a period of experimentation, with the Mint juggling numerous dies and designs—all to balance artistry and economy.
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1. The BB-115 Variety—What Makes It Unique
The coin in question is the BB-115 variety, often described as “Large Eagle, Pointed 9, Close Date” in the Bowers and Borckardt catalogue.
- BB-115 shares its obverse die with varieties BB-113 through BB-119.
- It’s easy to spot: the digit “8” in 1798 sits high, leans right, and is slightly shifted PCGS+4CoinWeek+4Greysheet+4.
- The BB-115’s reverse die is special—all BB-115 coins have a distinct long diagonal crack beneath the date on the reverse, CoinWeek.
Milford Henry Bolender first cataloged this variety in 1950, but only low-grade examples were known—until now.
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2. Die Management at the Mint: Durability Over Perfection
In the late 18th century, the Mint prioritized cost-efficiency and die longevity over absolutely perfect strikes.
- Dies were used until they failed, and replacements were logged as new varieties PCGS, 5CoinWeek and 5Wikipedia+5.
- This practice led to multiple distinct sub-varieties, each with its quirks.
With dozens of obverse and reverse dies in daily use, nuances like the BB-115 emerged as interesting markers of Mint history.
3. The Stunning BB-115 Offered by GreatCollections
GreatCollections has placed one of the finest BB-115 coins ever certified into an upcoming July auction.
- This coin is graded PCGS AU58+ and bears the CAC green sticker, confirming its superior quality.
- Its visual allure is strong: champagne-colored centers edged with concentric rings of blue, green, gold, and amber toning. eBay, 10CoinWeek, and 10GreatCollections+10.
- In 2017, this same coin sold for $33,600 in the Newman collection sale, graded NGC AU58+ CAC—a clear testament to its desirability, CoinWeek.
As of now, bidding has reached $26,000, and the auction closes on July 27, 2025, at 5:55 PM Pacific Time (CoinWeek and 1GreatCollections+1).
4. Rarity & Historical Importance in Collector Circles
The BB-115 is exceptionally scarce—no Mint State examples have been found in the 75 years since Bolender’s 1950 reference eBay, 2CoinWeek and 2Greysheet+2.
- According to the CoinWeek Notes census curated by Hubert Walker and Charles Morgan, this specific coin is the finest known example of of CoinWeek, 2CoinWeek, and 2CoinWeek+2.
- Most other recorded BB-115 specimens are in lower grades, making this AU58+ example truly special.
Collectors prize such coins for their rarity and for the fascinating Mint history they embody.
5. Looking Ahead: What the Auction Could Reveal
If bidding continues to increase, this coin could eclipse its 2017 price, reinforcing:
- The strength of the Draped Bust dollar market.
- The significance of high-grade, eye-catching examples.
- The appeal of pieces with clear provenance, like those from the Newman sale.
It’s also a reminder of the power of CAC stickers in elevating minor rarities to new heights.
6. Bridging Art, History, and Numismatics
This BB-115 is more than a coin—it’s a historical artifact.
- The shift to Heraldic Eagle mirrors a change in early American aesthetic and national identity. PCGS, 3CoinWeek, 3EyealingCoins.com, 3EyealingCoins.com, 9CoinWeek + 9Greysheet + 9.
- The BB-115’s die cracks provide information about the tooling and production methods used by Mint.
- Each example is genuinely unique due to the way that toning patterns reflect age and environmental storage.
Every layer, including certification, tone, wear, and design, contributes both historically and financially.
Conclusion
The resurfacing of this 1798 Draped Bust Dollar BB‑115 marks a landmark moment in numismatics. With its stunning toning, rare die characteristics, top-grade certification, and historical pedigree, it stands as a testament to the ongoing allure of early U.S. coinage.
Whether it breaks its previous record or sets a new benchmark, one thing’s clear: this coin tells a rich story—and collectors around the world are listening.
FAQs
1. What does “BB‑115” mean?
It’s the variety number assigned in the Bowers and Borckardt reference, specifically describing this unique die pairing and style.
2. What does CAC indicate?
CAC is a third-party sticker that certifies a coin meets high-end quality standards within its grade tier.
3. Why is there a die crack visible?
It’s a result of prolonged die use. It doesn’t detract from a coin’s value—in rarer varieties, it can enhance collectibility.
4. How often does a BB‑115 appear at auction?
Extremely rarely. In over 75 years since its cataloging, no Mint State BB-115 has surfaced publicly.
5. Why are toned coins so popular?
Toning adds visual appeal and uniqueness. Collectors love coins with natural, attractive toning—it’s like owning a piece of living history.