1796 $10 BD-1, R.4, AU53 PCGS....

Description

1796 Draped Bust Eagle, AU53
BD-1, Sole Variety for the Year
Reported Mintage of 4,146 Coins

1796 $10 BD-1, R.4, AU53 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/b. A wandering internal die crack originates below E in LIBERTY heads south across the cap, mingling with the hair behind the ear before emerging across the lower hair strands and shoulder drapery, coming to a halt at the bust truncation above 9 in the date. Aside from some brief die clashing across the upper wreath, the reverse shows no obvious defects or impending failures other than circulation wear. Mintages dated 1796 require some scrutiny since the Mint paid little attention to the calendar or which dies were placed into service as long as they were usable, regardless of denomination. Thus, the 1796 eagle mintage reported as 4,146 pieces likely included 1795-dated eagles, and some 1796 eagles were probably struck in 1797. Survivorship study suggests a somewhat lower mintage than stated, with fewer than 175 or so pieces known in all grades combined.

As a date, the 1796 eagle is clearly much scarcer than 1795-dated ten dollar coins. A single die pair accomplished the entire 1796 mintage. The design is altogether more balanced and pleasing than the surrounding dates, with its 16 stars evenly distributed eight left, eight right. The 1795 eagles display ten stars left, five right, while 1797 eagles awkwardly show 12 stars left, four right.

This impressive example was once prooflike, with substantial reflectivity that remains among the legends and throughout the margins on each side. Bold eye appeal is undeniable, and only the highest points show moderate wear. Reddish-gold accents are plentiful throughout the original orange-gold surfaces. Rims and dentils are unblemished and sharply struck around each side. We expect strong competition when this attractive 1796 ten dollar gold piece is called.
From The Riverboat Collection of Early Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45715, Base PCGS# 8554)

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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