1797 $10 Large Eagle AU58 NGC. Breen-6834, B. 2-C, Taraszka-12, R.4. 1797 was a transitional year for the reverse of the te...

Description

Near-Mint 1797 Heraldic Eagle Ten Dollars

1797 $10 Large Eagle AU58 NGC. Breen-6834, B. 2-C, Taraszka-12, R.4. 1797 was a transitional year for the reverse of the ten dollar piece. The Small Eagle type (B. 1-A) was presumably struck first. Three Heraldic Eagle varieties followed, all of which paired the same obverse die with three different reverses (B. 2-B, B. 2-C, B. 2-D). What makes these varieties fascinating is that each has a differently engraved eagle (apparently, a hub punch for the Heraldic Eagle had yet to be completely developed). The eagle for B. 2-B has a thin neck and tongue. The B. 2-D eagle has a short neck and no tongue. Finally, the eagle for B. 2-C has a triangular neck and a thick tongue. The present piece is from the usual die state for the variety, with a light vertical crack from the rim across the second 7 in the date to the bust, and a second light crack on the reverse between the rim and the olive branch across the C in AMERICA. Slight wear is evident on Liberty's forehead and shoulder, on the hair above the ear, and on the cap above the forehead. On the reverse, traces of wear are limited to the centers of the clouds, and the highpoint of the eagle's right (facing) wing, just right of the scroll. The breast feathers are fully present, an indication of the near-Mint grade since these quickly wear on circulated examples. Luster dominates all legends and devices, and is diminished only across the open fields. This crisply struck piece does not have any rim nicks, and in fact there are no relevant marks whatsoever. A hair-thin horizontal mark across obverse star 14 is mentioned solely as an identifier for any future auction appearances. The obverse border between 2 and 3 o'clock shows light adjustment marks of mint origin. These do not extend past the denticles, and have only marginal impact on the eye appeal.(Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZY, PCGS# 8559, GSID# 9344)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 17.50 grams
AGW: 0.51577oz
Mintage: 10,940

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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