1801 $10 BD-2, R.2, MS63 PCGS....

Description

1801 BD-2 Eagle, MS63
Brightly Frosted Rich-Gold Surfaces
Strongly Defined Early U.S. Type Coin

1801 $10 BD-2, R.2, MS63 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. A rare die state, with reverse clash marks visible but no spines in the cap as normally seen for the BD-2 variety. Among early eagles, the BD-2 die marriage is one of the most available regardless of date, with 600 to 800 known examples. Select Uncirculated or finer coins are far scarcer, however -- especially without the mysterious "vertical lines" in Liberty's cap. The Bass-Dannreuther reference notes: "However, the obverse used here is not known with any serious damage, so its cause of retirement is not known." We wonder if the oft-seen vertical cap lines were sufficient reason to retire such a productive die. Those lines conform to the possibility that a set screw fell onto the die, a conceivable source of such damage, and something that may have concerned Mint officials who were sensitive to such mishaps.

The present coin was struck before that conundrum. The surfaces are brilliant and lustrous, with smooth fields and a razor-sharp strike throughout both sides. Vibrant mint luster illuminates frosted devices. A few hairlines are scattered randomly across the semireflective fields, visible under magnification but unnoticed when the coin is viewed in-hand. There are no meaningful marks to report -- in fact, the surface quality is suggestive of an even finer grade. The coin is housed in a previous generation green label holder, and we anticipate a flurry of bids when this Select Uncirculated early eagle is called. Population: 39 in 63 (2 in 63+), 40 finer (3/22).

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45734, Base PCGS# 8564, Greysheet# 198085)

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 PCGS