1796 $1 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Small Date, Large Letters BB-61 NGC AU58+

Here's a well-struck example of a very scarce issue from the early days of our nation. Note the original patina of rich golden brown with hints of green. In the better date of AU58+ it is quite attractive. NGC has graded 2 in AU58+, with only 10 finer. Please see below for details on the beautiful obverse design.

Photo comparison of the 1796 Small Date and 1796 Large Date, courtesy of PCGS Coin Facts website.

Photo comparison of the 1796 Small Letters and 1796 Large Letters, courtesy of PCGS Coin Facts website.

The year 1796 was the second year of the Draped Bust type silver dollar, which replaced the Flowing Hair type of 1794-1795. The obverse was engraved by Robert Scot, chief engraver. This design also appeared upon the fractional copper and silver coinage as well, but first appeared on the dollar. Legend tells us that the visage of Liberty was modeled upon a Philadelphia socialite from a drawing by artist Gilbert Stuart. This design change after only one year (from the Flowing Hair type) was the brain-child of Mint Director Henry DeSaussure (and probably with the encouragement of President Washington) in his desire to improve the appearance of all U.S. coinage. John Eckstein, an artist from Rhode Island, crafted a plaster model of Stuart's rendering, from which Scot prepared the dies.