1797 $10 Large Eagle, BD-2, High R.4, MS61 PCGS....

Description

1797 Large Eagle Ten, BD-2, MS61
Sharp, Problem-Free Type Coin

1797 $10 Large Eagle, BD-2, High R.4, MS61 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. This familiar obverse die was employed for all three Large Eagle 1797 varieties and is readily recognized for its forked die crack through the second 7 in the date. An extremely early die state of this obverse may exist without the crack but none has been confirmed. BD-2 is also the only Large Eagle 1797 variety thought to have actually been struck in 1797. BD-3 shares its tail die with the two 1798/7 varieties but in a later die state, suggesting it was struck in 1798. The BD-4 1797 variety must also have been struck in 1798, as the common obverse is in a later state than on BD-3, which we know was struck later.

The three Large Eagle 1797 die marriages are easily differentiated by their distinctive reverses. BD-2 shows the eagle with a long, slender neck, BD-3 with a short, stout neck, and BD-4 with a long, stout neck. This variety is one of the two more frequently seen in high grade along with the BD-4 marriage, surviving to the extent of 80 to 100 coins, per John Dannreuther's estimate. Nonetheless, Mint State pieces are scarcely seen and are inherently sought-after.

This example is evenly and boldly struck, showing crisp definition around each side as well as throughout the interior stars, eagle's feathers, and hair curls. There are no distracting adjustment marks and each side offers generous yellow-gold luster. Light handling marks in the fields limit the grade, but the surfaces are remarkably free of major abrasions. Most of the initial prooflike mirroring is worn from the dies, giving this strike a uniform, satiny glow. Population, all Large Eagle varieties included: 16 in 61, 20 finer (9/15).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZY, Variety PCGS# 45717, Base PCGS# 8559, GSID# 198071)

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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