1795 $10 13 Leaves, BD-1, High R.3, MS61 NGC....

Description

1795 BD-1 Eagle, MS61
First of the Denomination
Popular 13 Leaves Variety

1795 $10 13 Leaves, BD-1, High R.3, MS61 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/a. Among early gold issues regardless of denomination, the 1795 Small Eagle ten dollar gold with 13 Leaves is one of the most highly sought type coins in the U.S. gold series. The BD-1 die pair is one of five Small Eagle ten dollar varieties, four of which have 13 Leaves on the reverse branch, plus a very scarce 9 Leaves variety (BD-3) that is seldom offered, with less than 50 pieces known. In contrast, the present BD-1 die pair is much more available with more than 200 surviving coins in all grades combined. There are likely more early eagles known featuring the BD-1 die marriage than all the other 1795 Small Eagle ten varieties combined, making the BD-1 an ideal first-year type coin. Mint State examples such as this coin are a far greater challenge, yet proportionately the BD-1 is easily the most accessible of all Uncirculated 1795 Small Eagle tens. As the largest gold coin of the realm, the early ten dollar gold pieces were intended to compete with the circulating Spanish eight escudo pieces, although in 1795 the half eagle was preferred in both domestic and international trade.

This MS61 example displays partially prooflike fields and flashy yellow-gold surfaces with light-green overtones for excellent eye appeal. Strong rims and full dentils surround sharply struck motifs featuring fully defined stars. Faint die cracks connect stars 5 to 9 and at the bottom date digits 1 and 9. The eagle's breast and leg feathers are entirely visible, with only a touch of rounding at the highest points. A small planchet flake exists below Liberty's upper jawline, while light hairlines and tiny marks contribute to the assigned grade. NGC Census (all 13-Leaves varieties combined): 8 in 61, 9 finer (10/25).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZU, Variety PCGS# 45710, Base PCGS# 8551, Greysheet# 198067)

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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