1795 $10 13 Leaves, BD-4, R.5, AU55+ PCGS....

Description

1795 Ten Dollar 13 Leaves, BD-4, AU55+
First Year Issue, Exceptional Quality

1795 $10 13 Leaves, BD-4, R.5, AU55+ PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. This is the latest die state of the BD-4 die marriage, with faint die cracks on the obverse connecting stars 9 and 10 and continuing to the tops of LIBE(RTY). The reverse has die stress cracks across the tops of UNITED and ST(ATES), along with an intriguing lump from a die break left of A in AMERICA. Key Identifiers used to attribute the 1795 BD-4 eagle include a widely spaced date, with a 5 that is close to, but does not touch the bust (distinctive for the date). For the reverse, a leaf tip furthest from U(NITED) and pointed to its left side.

The 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle ten dollar gold was the first issue of the denomination, commencing with a delivery with 1,097 coins on September 22, 1795. Total deliveries of 5,583 eagles from ten warrants ended on March 6 of 1796. These early gold eagles were larger in diameter than those struck starting in 1838, with diameters as measured by numismatic researcher and author Anthony Taraszka ranging from exactly 32.2 to 33.2 millimeters, compared to about 27 millimeters in diameter for the later dates. The fineness changed from .9167 gold to .900 gold, and the weight decreased from 17.5 grams to 16.718 grams from early gold to the later issues. Early gold eagles are historically very important as the largest United States Mint denomination, with mintage suspended after 1804 because of exportation and melting of the coins.

This is a magnificent specimen of the first ten dollar issue of the United States Mint, attractively toned in deep orange-gold coloration. Circulation marks are small and less than usually seen at the Choice AU grade level. Well struck, especially in the central devices, with Miss Liberty displaying sharply defined hair curls and drapery lines, while the eagle has nice feather definition. As Harry Bass noted for the BD-4 variety "All stars essentially perfect" which is shown on this exceptional coin. The luster is satiny and enlivens the sheltered areas of the coin. Chief Engraver Robert Scot's masterly engraving of the first ten dollar gold issue is displayed in all its glory on this wonderful Plus-graded example.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45712, Base PCGS# 8551, Greysheet# 198069)

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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