1800 $1 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Wide Dt, Low 8, AMERICAI BB-191 PCGS AU50 (CAC)

Here’s a rare piece for the specialist in Draped Bust coinage: the desired AMERICAI BB-191 variety in AU50 (CAC). PCGS has graded 3 of this variety as AU50 with just 3 finer. In CAC, there is a single piece in AU50 with none finer.

There are two die marriages that account for all of the "AMERICAI" Draped Bust dollars. BB-191, the offering from AUCM, is significantly rarer than its BB-192 counterpart. Both varieties share the same reverse, with its distinct die variance that vaguely resembles an "I" after AMERICA. Heritage Auctions writes, “The obverse provides the easiest way to distinguish the two die pairs -- BB-191 has its numeral 8 lower in the date than BB-192, and the position of stars 1 and 13 are further from the portrait than seen on BB-192.” This dramatic, well-struck AU example displays attractive reddish golden toning on both sides.  

The First Philadelphia Mint, where this rare piece was struck in 1800. Image: Public domain.