Auction Name: 2026 January 14 - 17 FUN US Coins Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 3276

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/1390*3276

1801 $10 BD-2, R.2, MS63+ PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. The 1801 BD-2 die marriage is attributed by the shape of the obverse stars, which have thinner and longer spines than previously used, with star 8 located near the cap. Harry Bass recorded this change in his notebook, "New large star punch, type III, first usage." The reverse Key Identifier is the eagle's upper beak just about touching star right below its point. A unique feature of this die variety are the nine vertical spines in the cap of Miss Liberty, found on intermediate and late die stages. The most common explanation is the spines were formed by a struck-in screw or other misplaced metal object.

The 1801 eagles have the highest reported mintage for the series at 44,344 coins, which was the number of ten dollar coins delivered to depositors in 1801. However, Harry Bass had identified a remarriage of 1800 BD-1, confirmed by John Dannreuther, that proves some of the 1800-dated eagles were struck after the 1801 BD-1 eagle. The exact number is not known, but the quantity of 1801-dated coins is slightly less than the reported mintage, as the deliveries for the year 1801 included some 1800-dated coins. While the 1801 BD-2 can be readily located in lower grades, at the Select Uncirculated Plus grade level it becomes rare. The 1801 BD-2 variety is often chosen as a type coin to represent the great design of the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle ten dollar gold, beautifully crafted by Chief Engraver Robert Scot.

Rich amber-gold toning evenly blankets the surfaces of both sides and is quite attractive. Frosty luster radiates throughout the fields and devices of this spectacular coin. A small obverse rim planchet flaw at star 11, and faint adjustment marks are seen on the reverse rim, but they do not affect the beauty of the coin. This specimen is fully struck to bring out the design elements, with the hair curls, drapery lines, cap and obverse stars all being well-formed. For the reverse, the eagle feathers, head, eye, and beak are crisply defined. By all measures of quality and aesthetics, this is an outstanding Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle ten dollar gold type coin.

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