Is It Worth the Purchase? My Take on Evaluating Collectible Currency Notes
June 25, 2025Counting My Gold and Platinum Coins: Insights from a Collector’s Poll
June 25, 2025
Early American coins have always grabbed my attention, especially the DB dollars. Recently, I spent some time with one that had me scratching my head—trying to pin down its exact variety. A bit of close examination and some book time later, I found a few things that I believe fellow collectors will get a kick out of.
Pinpointing the Variety
As I looked over the coin, a few features stood out. Turns out, it’s the B-9 variety—sometimes called the “Amateur Diecutter’s Reverse” for good reason. Here’s what caught my eye:
- It’s in Die State 2, with a clear die crack on the reverse. This crack starts at the “O” in “OF” and runs right to the rim, which is classic for this variety.
- Then there’s the Heraldic Eagle: exactly 4 vertical lines in the shield and 10 arrows in the claw. Dead giveaways.
- And the date? That pointed 9 in 1798 is a common feature that sealed the deal for me.
Grading Tips and Condition Observations
Looking at the coin’s condition, a few things jumped out. The front has some long scratches that could be adjustment marks from the mint—nothing that made me question if it’s real. But the real showstopper? A hole drilled right through it! At first, I thought that was a shame, but then it hit me: that hole tells a story. Maybe this coin was once worn as jewelry or kept as a special memento. Sure, holes usually knock down the grade, but for some of us, that kind of history makes a coin even more interesting.
Rarity and Market Insights
From what I’ve found, the B-9 isn’t exactly rare—maybe 300 to 500 examples are known in all conditions. That puts it within reach for many collectors, and it still carries a nice value, especially in better grades. If you’re on the hunt, try to find one without much damage. Prices can swing a lot depending on how well it’s held up over the years.
Final Thoughts and Collecting Advice
At the end of the day, this whole process reminded me why I love coins: each one has a tale to tell. That hole? It’s not just damage—it’s a chapter in the coin’s life, turning it from a piece of metal into a slice of history. If you’re getting into DB dollars, my two cents: always check the edge for signs it’s genuine, like I did, and have a good reference book handy to catch those small differences between varieties. Happy hunting!
