1797 $10 Large Eagle, BD-3, R.5, AU58+ PCGS....

Description

1797 BD-3 Eagle, AU58+
Heraldic Eagle Reverse
The Bass-Dannreuther Plate Coin

1797 $10 Large Eagle, BD-3, R.5, AU58+ PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Bass-Dannreuther state d/b. Two cracks through the second 7 have joined to form a cud between the base of that digit and the border. The left crack connects the upright to the left serif, and the right crack continues through the top of the 7 to the drapery. The reverse has a delicate crack at the tops of UN and TED. There is no evidence of the reverse state c die crack from the beak into the shield. John Dannreuther writes: "The reverse is only known in the later stages of State b for this 1797 variety."

This is the rarest of three 1797 Heraldic Eagle varieties. Dannreuther estimates that 40 to 50 examples are known, and the variety was actually struck after the two 1798/7 eagle varieties that share the same reverse die appearing here. We have records of 24 different examples that grade AU50 or finer, including the Anthony Taraszka MS63 PCGS coin, an MS62 PCGS piece that we sold in 2007, an MS62 NGC example that we also sold in 2007, two MS61 NGC coins that we sold in 2006 and in 2012, and the present AU58+ example from the 1970 ANA auction that ranks sixth finest among those known to us. Our records include three other AU58 NGC coins.

Both sides of this beautiful 1797 eagle display soft, frosty mint luster with brilliant yellow surfaces. Trivial handling marks are consistent with the grade of this piece that shows traces of rub on the high points. A small curved lint mark is noted behind the lower hair curls. There are no adjustment marks visible on either side of this piece.
Ex: 1970 ANA Auction (RARCOA, 8/1970), lot 1547.
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part I.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZY, Variety PCGS# 45718, Base PCGS# 8559, Greysheet# 198072)

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS