1804 $10 Crosslet 4 MS63 NGC. BD-1, High R.4....

Description

Seldom-Seen 1804 Crosslet 4 Ten Dollar, BD-1
MS63, Only One Piece Graded Finer

1804 $10 Crosslet 4 MS63 NGC. BD-1, High R.4. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. On the obverse, a crack runs from star 1 to the 18 in the date; on the reverse, cracks join the tops of UNIT, while another runs from the U to the eagle's tail to the last A.
The year 1804 saw the final production of the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle reverse ten dollar gold pieces, produced in the tiny reported amount of 3,757 pieces. (Some of those pieces, however, were almost certainly the R.7 BD-6 eagles dated 1803, which share the same reverse as the 1804 Crosslet 4 coins, but in a later die state [c].) Only the two varieties are known for the year, the Crosslet 4 and Plain 4 BD-1 and BD-2, respectively. The Plain 4 coins however, are known only to the extent of three pieces, struck in 1834 or 1835 in a close collar in conjunction with the presentation proof sets containing the 1804 silver dollars, such as the King of Siam proof set.
For all practical purposes, then, the BD-1 Crosslet 4 eagles are the sole variety obtainable to represent the 1804 issue. Bass-Dannreuther estimate that only 80 to 100 pieces survive in all grades. The average certified survivor is AU to Choice AU or so.
The present MS63 piece is one of only five such submissions at NGC, with a single MS64 finer; PCGS has certified two in MS63, with none finer (1/12). Generous luster remains on the yellow-gold surfaces of this well-struck piece, which additionally shows few signs of contact, save for some minor chatter in the fields. The extremely minor planchet adjustment marks running diagonally through the upper shield corners might go unnoticed by many, and in any case are undistracting.
Only about one auction appearance annually has been seen in this grade over the past dozen-plus years. Alert bidders will act accordingly to secure this piece, so close to the top of the Condition Census.(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 8566, Greysheet# 9352)

Weight: 17.50 grams

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper

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.

View Certification Details from NGC