This writer, Frank Van Valen, remembers when Draped Bust dollars and colonial coins in general led the stampede into what would become the greatest bull market in numismatic memory, a strong market that has slipped slightly on occasion, but one that remains strong today for rare and Condition Census U.S. coins. The Winthrop Collection, an anchor of our upcoming February 2015 New York City Americana Sale, is laden with U.S. coins of superior quality across all denominations and types. The MS-64 PCGS-certified 1799 Draped Bust dollar from the Stephen Winthrop Collection is a treasure. The coin’s frosted and mildly toned surfaces exhibit a bold strike and exquisite eye appeal, a look that borders on true Gem quality. No disturbances of any kind are seen on first glance, and magnified examination brings little in the way of blemishes to the fore. This beautiful early dollar was once in the cabinet of M.H. Bolender, who literally “wrote the book” on the series, and also spent time in the collection of A.J. Ostheimer. The stage is set for action when the Winthrop 1799 dollar crosses the auction block, and we suggest you bid as though you mean it, when bidding begins on this landmark beauty. This remarkable coin and the rest of our February Americana auction will be available for viewing and bidding in January at StacksBowers.com.