Diagnostic Controls & Presets Iconic Early American Silver Dollar
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
The 1799 Draped Bust Silver Dollar represents the quintessential early American silver dollar. Designed by Chief Engraver Robert Scot, it showcases the Heraldic Eagle reverse adapted from the Great Seal of the United States. Numismatists classify the issue into over 20 distinct Bowers-Borckardt (BB) die pairings, dominated by the famous 15 Stars Obverse (BB-162) and 1799/8 Overdate (BB-141).
Wgross = 416 grains (26.96 grams)
Fineness = 1485 / 1664 = 892.4 fine silver (89.24% Ag, 10.76% Cu)
Net Pure Silver Content = 371.25 grains (24.056 grams pure silver).
Deviations beyond ± 0.35 grams indicate modern counterfeit base-metal cast replicas or clipped planchets.
In late 1798, to conserve costly imported die steel, Robert Scot hand-punched a new '9' punch directly over the '8' on an unused 1798 obverse die. The upper loop of the '8' remains visible within the upper loop of the final '9', cataloged as BB-141.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
The legendary D. Brent Pogue specimen of the 15 Stars Obverse. Astonishing iridescent toning with fully articulated eagle feathers and unbroken cartwheel luster.
Finest known 1799/8 overdate dollar. Blazing frosty white surfaces with the under-digit '8' unmistakably sharp inside the final numeral.
Choice Uncirculated slider of the 13 Stars variety. Boasts radiant silver flash with delicate amber perimeter crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 1799 Draped Bust Dollar have both 13-star and 15-star varieties?
Originally, the Mint added a star for every state admitted to the Union (reaching 16 stars in 1797). By 1798, Mint Director Elias Boudinot realized the coin perimeter would become overcrowded with stars as the nation expanded, decreeing a return to the original 13 stars representing the 13 colonies. On obverse die BB-162, the engraver mistakenly punched 15 stars (8 left, 7 right) before the error was caught.
What is the 1799/8 overdate variety?
The 1799/8 overdate (cataloged as BB-141) occurred when the Mint frugally reused an unused 1798 obverse die by punching a new '9' punch directly over the final '8' of the date. Traces of the upper and lower loops of the underlying '8' are visible under magnification.
Who designed the 1799 Draped Bust Silver Dollar?
The portrait of Liberty was designed by portraitist Gilbert Stuart and engraved by Mint Chief Engraver Robert Scot. The majestic Heraldic Eagle on the reverse was also engraved by Scot, modeled after the Great Seal of the United States.
How many 1799 Draped Bust Dollars were minted?
The reported mintage for 1799 is 423,515 silver dollars. However, this includes some coins struck from 1798-dated dies and some 1799-dated coins struck in 1800.
How can you authenticate an authentic 1799 silver dollar?
Authentic coins weigh 26.96 grams (416 grains), measure 39-40 mm in diameter, have a specific gravity of approximately 10.3, and feature lettered edge inscriptions reading 'HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT' with decorative ornamentations.
What makes the D. Brent Pogue 1799 specimen famous?
The Pogue specimen of variety BB-162 (15 Stars Obverse) is graded PCGS MS-65 CAC and realized $840,000 in 2020. It is revered as one of the finest surviving early American silver dollars in existence.
What is the Bowers-Borckardt (BB) catalog system?
The BB reference system, authored by Q. David Bowers and Mark Borckardt in their comprehensive 1993 work 'Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States', classifies every known die marriage of early silver dollars from 1794 to 1804.