NGC Certifies Extremely Rare Proof 1801 Bust Dollar

SARASOTA, Fla. (October 16, 2013) — Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified an extremely rare and important Proof 1801 Dollar. Graded NGC PF 66 Cameo, it is the finest of only two known specimens. The coin was submitted to NGC by Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery on behalf of a prominent East Coast collector.

Proof 1801 Bust Dollar Click images to enlarge.

The United States did not strike any Proof dollars in 1801 and numismatists believe that these pieces, along with their 1802 and 1803-dated counterparts, were struck sometime in the 1870s. Attributed as BB-301, B-5, the obverse die is unique to the 1801 Proof Dollar, while the reverse die is the same used to strike the famous 1804 Class I Dollars as well as the 1802 and 1803 Proof Dollars.

With an estimated mintage of 5 or fewer pieces, the 1801 Proof Dollar is rarer than the 1802, 1803 or 1804 Proof Dollars. The specimen certified by NGC has an impressive provenance that dates to the 1870s when it was owned by dealer John Haseltine. It subsequently traded hands at least 13 more times, including as part of the well-known sales of the Henry O. Granberg and F.C.C. Boyd collections.

“Only in the last few decades have collectors and dealers come to appreciate the true significance of the 1801 Proof Dollars,” says Mark Salzberg, chairman of NGC. “These coins are not only beautiful, but they are extremely rare. I am honored that the owner chose NGC to certify this outstanding Gem.”

Ben Todd of Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery adds: “With a coin of the stature of an 1801 Proof Dollar, NGC was the logical choice for grading. Its customer service, professionalism and grading team are unmatched in the industry.”