1797 $10 Large Eagle AU55 PCGS....

Description

Classic 1797 BD-2 Eagle, AU55

1797 $10 Large Eagle AU55 PCGS. Breen-6834, Taraszka-8, BD-2, High R.4. In their Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties (2006), Harry W. Bass, Jr. and John Dannreuther identify this variety as being the first of the Large Eagle tens struck. Of the 1797 eagles bearing the Large Eagle reverse, one obverse die (Bass-Dannreuther 2) was married to three reverse dies (Bass-Dannreuther A, B, and C) to create three distinct varieties. This variety and BD-4 are very scarce in absolute terms, with the other variety, BD-3, legitimately rare with fewer than 50 examples known in all grades. As a point of clarification, the 1797 BD-1 variety is of the Small Eagle type. It is fascinating that the emission sequence observed by researcher Anthony Taraszka, and confirmed in the Bass-Dannreuther reference, puts the other two varieties of this date and type as struck after both of the 1798/7 tens. Striking coins in a year with dies dated either earlier or later was common practice in the formative years of our first Mint. Unfortunately, it was also standard procedure to record the amount of coins struck in a calendar year, regardless of the dates on the actual coins delivered. Thankfully, researchers such as Taraszka, Bass, and Dannreuther have compiled an emission sequence for this and other series by meticulously studying the die states of all known varieties. Data garnered from such investigations allows for more accurate mintage figures to be ascertained.
The Large, or Heraldic, Eagle design was based on the Great Seal of the United States and debuted on the 1796 quarter eagles. It replaced the Small Eagle design that many disliked due to its resemblance to a scrawny chicken. Breen and other past researchers have credited Robert Scot as the lone creator of the Large Eagle design. However, current research suggests that John Smith Garner and Robert Scot both designed Heraldic Eagle punches for the early U.S. gold issues. By 1799 Scot's design became the standard for the eagle series and was employed until the final year of production in 1804 (Bass-Dannreuther, 2006). The coin in this lot features one of Garner's three reverse designs and is easily identifiable by the eagle's long, thin neck. As of (8/07), NGC has graded 24 1797 Large Eagle tens at the AU55 level. The surfaces retain generous portions of mint luster and there is a significant presence of reddish patina on each side. Sharply defined throughout with no obvious or mentionable marks on the obverse or reverse. Population: 34 in 55, 57 finer (8/07).(Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZY, PCGS# 8559, GSID# 9344)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 17.50 grams
AGW: 0.51577oz
Mintage: 10,940

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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