1799/8 1C, BN (Regular Strike)

### 1799/8 $1 Draped Bust Dollar (1C, BN) Overview The 1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar, a significant coin for collectors, carries a distinct attribute: an overdate where the '8' is punched over a '9'. This fascinating feature highlights a transitional year for coinage at the Philadelphia Mint. From a numismatic standpoint, this overdated coin represents a unique period in U.S. history, reflecting efforts to recycle unused dies from the previous year. #### History and Minting Minted in Philadelphia, the 1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar signifies an era when silver dollar production was gaining momentum, albeit with variable consistency in quality and artistry. The obverse of the coin features the elegant Draped Bust of Liberty, designed by Robert Scot, while the reverse showcases the Heraldic Eagle, resembling the Great Seal of the United States. The 1799/8 overdate happened due to the Mint's practice of economizing dies, ingeniously using leftover 1798 dies by over-punching them with the new year. This economical approach resulted in the 1C, BN (Regular Strike), capturing the curiosity of numismatists and collectors alike. #### Mintage and Rarity The mintage of Draped Bust dollars for 1799, including all varieties, is estimated at around 423,515 coins. However, as with many coins of the era, precise figures for specific die variations such as the 1799/8 are undocumented, contributing to their allure and rarity. Numismatists estimate that only a small fraction of the total mintage comprises these overdate examples. The estimated survival rate for the overdate variety is quite low, making it rare and sought after among serious collectors. #### Value and Auction Records The value of a 1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar significantly depends on its condition and eye appeal. Coins in lower grades, such as Good (G) and Very Good (VG), can fetch several thousand dollars. Higher-grade examples, such as Extremely Fine (XF) or About Uncirculated (AU), command prices upwards of tens of thousands. The market for these coins is robust due to their historical significance and allure as part of the early U.S. Mint's output. Auction histories demonstrate impressive sales. For instance, a particularly lustrous Mint State specimen could realistically achieve auction results in the five- to six-figure range, depending on its state of preservation, provenance, and collector demand at the time of sale. #### PCGS Information - **Mint:** Philadelphia - **Mintage:** Part of the total estimated 423,515 for 1799 - **PCGS Number:** For detailed categorization and updates, visit PCGS CoinFacts. The 1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar is a captivating coin for any numismatics enthusiast, reflecting the intricacies of early American coinage, with its overdate feature making it an extraordinary relic of U.S. monetary art and history. Being part of the transition from the 18th to the 19th century, it represents the intertwining of raw material scarcity and the budding American enterprise, appealing to collectors worldwide for both its visual and historical value.