1804 $10 Crosslet 4, BD-1, High R.4, AU55 PCGS....

Description

1804 Eagle, Choice AU
Crosslet 4, BD-1
Only Collectible Variety

1804 $10 Crosslet 4, BD-1, High R.4, AU55 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. This is certainly one of the most famous dates in American numismatics. It may very well be the most famous date. The reasons for its popularity stem from the rarity of the 1804 silver dollar, the so-called "King of American Coins." There is something indescribably appealing, an intangible quality that draws collectors to all coins, not only silver dollars, bearing that date.

The 1804 eagle is the highest denomination coin struck that year. Survivors are among the rarest 1804-dated coins after the 1804 dollars, which, of course, were not actually struck in 1804. It should be noted that like the 1804 silver dollar, the 1804 Plain 4 ten dollar issue (BD-2) was not struck contemporarily. All examples (there are three or four known) are proofs, restrikes produced in during the mid-1830s.

Only Crosslet 4 eagles were actually minted in 1804. All are from a single die pair designated as BD-1. The obverse is unique to this variety, while the reverse was also used to coin 1803 BD-6 ten dollar gold pieces, although that occurred after the production of the 1804 coinage.

Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth write in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins that it is "easier to find any other date among the early eagles (only the 1798 comes close to the rarity of the 1804)." About 80 to 100 examples are thought to exist. Most of these are in various stages of AU condition. Probably most coins intended for numismatic purposes were set aside early on, while those subjected any serious circulation and wear were eventually melted for their gold value.

For an issue known for its poor striking, this Choice About Uncirculated representative is remarkably well-detailed. A few of the stars, the eagle's left (facing) claw, and the leading edges of the wings are trivially soft, but the impression is largely crisp. Smooth orange-gold surfaces show two pinscratches in the left obverse field and three ticks across Liberty's cheek and ear. A small dig is noted between the F and the right wingtip. Population: 8 in 55, 14 finer (1/18).
From The Admiral Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFYU, Variety PCGS# 45741, Base PCGS# 8566)

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.

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