1801 $10 BD-2, R.2, MS64+ PCGS. CAC....

Description

1801 BD-2 Eagle, Gorgeous MS64+
Ranks High on the Condition Census
Ex: Stickney-Pogue

1801 $10 BD-2, R.2, MS64+ PCGS. CAC. Ex: Simpson. Bass-Dannreuther Die State "c/c," with vertical lines in Liberty cap from a struck-in screw or other metal object. When we talk about "type coins," the 1801 eagle is exactly the kind of issue we have in mind. Capped Bust Right eagles are all scarce and highly sought-after. Relatively few collectors have the means or desire the collect the series by variety or even by date. Instead, a majority seek only one high-grade example of the type to represent the design. The 1801 is a popular choice to fill that role.

The official mintage for the year was 44,344 coins. Although there is a possibility some portion of that total included coins bearing other dates, like 1799 or 1800, there is no denying that most of them were dated 1801, making this the highest-mintage issue in the set. While two die varieties exist, all but 40 or 50 pieces are represented by the BD-2 marriage with star 1 away from Liberty's lowest curl. That total amounts to as many as 600 to 800 coins, according to John Dannreuther. PCGS CoinFacts suggests 300 or so survive in Uncirculated condition, though most of them are in grades of MS61 and MS62.

The present MS64+ representative is nearly in a league of its own. Not only does it rank high on the Condition Census, it boasts an impeccable pedigree. The coin can be traced all the way back to the famous 19th century collector Matthew A. Stickney, whose set was largely formed before his retirement in 1854. It most recently appeared as part of the D. Brent Pogue holdings, where it was acquired by Mr. Simpson.

Both sides radiate vibrant mint frost over yellow-gold surfaces that show splashes of natural reddish patina. Coloration is a touch deeper on the obverse and luster is marginally more lively on the reverse, but each side is equally appealing. Liberty's curls are strong, as are the eagle's feathers. The only point of obvious strike softness is star 11 on the obverse. There are small, scattered abrasions, including a mark on the throat and another in the upper left field on that side, but none pose any meaningful distraction or in any way lessen the appeal or importance of this outstanding early eagle. Population (both varieties): 38 in 64 (1 in 64+), 3 finer (11/21).
Ex: Matthew A. Stickney Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1907), lot 622; unknown intermediaries; David Akers (7/1990); D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II (Stack's Bowers, 9/2015), lot 2103.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45734, Base PCGS# 8564, Greysheet# 198085)

Weight: 17.50 grams

Metal: Gold

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 all of [Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part VII ]

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