1795 $10 13 Leaves AU50 PCGS....

Description

Impressive 1795 Small Eagle Ten, AU50

1795 $10 13 Leaves AU50 PCGS. Breen-6830, Taraszka-1, BD-1, High R.3. It is always an interesting pursuit to seek the origins of coinage designs. As a small part of a much larger article in Coin World, March 1, 1999, Richard Giedroyc wrote of the reverse design:
"The Small Eagle reverse appearing on the coins of 1795 to 1797 is believed to have been adapted from a first century B.C. Roman onyx cameo in the Kunshistorisches Museum. The position of the eagle is different on the museum cameo, although the palm branch and circular wreath accompanying the eagle on the U.S. coin is strikingly similar to the design on the cameo."
Only 5,583 pieces were struck of this design type. But then, there was little demand for the ten dollar denomination in the channels of commerce. In 1795 Philadelphia, the average laborer earned ten dollars for two weeks wages for a six-day workweek. As a result, there was minimal need for such a high-denomination gold coin.
This particular coin is pleasing overall with just the slightest friction over the highpoints. The striking details are well defined overall with strong detailing on Liberty's hair and the eagle's wings. There are no mentionable or distracting abrasions, and each side shows a strong reddish accent of patina around the devices with the remainder of the coin retaining its original greenish-gold color. Rarely found finer, this is a splendid, high grade example of this popular, first-year design type.(Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZT, PCGS# 8551, GSID# 9340)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 17.50 grams
AGW: 0.51577oz
Mintage: 5,583

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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