LOT #1739 |
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1795 $10 9 Leaves--Mount Removed--NGC. XF Details....
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Sold on Dec 4, 2009 for:
$29,900.00
Bid Source: Post Auction Buy bidder
Description
Significant 1795 9 Leaves Eagle, BD-3
R.6, XF Details, Perhaps 20 Known
1795 $10 9 Leaves--Mount Removed--NGC. XF Details.
Breen-6831, Taraszka-3, BD-3, R.6. BD Obverse State d/Reverse State
b. Only a single Nine Leaves reverse is known for the first-year
1795 gold eagles, and the subtype is accordingly in demand from
variety specialists, type collectors, and those who pursue Guide
Book varieties. Garrett and Guth had this to say (2006)
concerning the issue:"This is an extremely scarce variety that was once thought to be limited to a surviving population of fewer than a dozen pieces (Akers called this 'the rarest of all eagles'). However, publicity in recent years has brought more specimens to the market and now, between PCGS and NGC, more than 20 examples have been certified. There have been approximately 20 auction appearances of this variety in the past dozen years, with a PCGS AU-58 coin taking top honors at $184,000 in 2005. Several pieces have been certified at the MS-63 level, but Harry Bass's very choice example may be the best known. The Smithsonian does not have an example of this major variety."
The Bass-Dannreuther reference calls it "one of the most famous die varieties among all early gold coins--the king of the Small Eagle type." It also conflictingly claims that there are "20-22 pieces known" in the body text and "15 or so examples" in a footnote, but NGC and PCGS combined have certified 23 pieces in all grades, from which a few must be subtracted for likely duplication.
This newly certified NGC specimen at XF40 is the lowest certified at either service, providing a nice entry point for a coin that otherwise would likely be out of reach for many collectors. This piece has seen modest circulation that has left scattered abrasions, mostly minor, on the surfaces of each side. A couple of longer (but shallow) scrapes on the obverse appear, one in the left field and one through the lower curls. The reverse is largely free of singular abrasions, displaying the prominent die lump beneath the second leaf, a lump above the first T in STATES, and a small crack beneath the first A in AMERICA that characterize the die state. Some crumbling of the denticles appears at the rim out from the right (facing) wing tip. There are no visible adjustment marks on either side. The mount removal appears to be on the rim at 3 o'clock, and would not be visible if it were not for the new-style holder. The original surfaces, despite minor problems, display immense appeal, with orange-gold color overall that deepens somewhat in the protected areas around the devices.
This is a coin whose importance and historic interest, as well as numismatic appeal, can hardly be overstated, and alert numismatists will certainly recognize it as such.(Registry values: P6)
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.
Auction Info
2009 December Houston, TX US Coin Auction #1132 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2009
3rd-6th
Thursday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 26
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 5,682
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.
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