1801 $10 XF45 ANACS. BD-2, R.2....

Description

1801 Capped Bust Right Ten, XF45
Mysterious Spines, BD-2 Variety

1801 $10 XF45 ANACS. BD-2, R.2. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/a. Two obverse and two reverse dies were combined to strike the substantial mintage of 44,344 Capped Bust Right eagles in 1801. The present coin is a representative of the more available BD-2 variety, identified by the position of star 8 near Liberty's cap. One of the more interesting features of the BD-2 variety is the sequence of nine vertical spines that appear in Liberty's cap on most, but not all examples of the issue. When they were first noticed, researchers believed they were caused by clashing with the shield on the reverse die. This theory was soon discarded, however, as the shield stripes do not line up properly to cause this effect. A close look at the fourth spine from the right reveals that the strand of Liberty's hair actually passes over the spine rather than lying under it. This means the spine had to be pressed into the die first and the hair strand engraved over it. The engraver's purpose in doing this is not known, but it must have required some time, effort, and skill, and was certainly not done by accident.

The present coin shows some light wear on the well-detailed design elements, but the spines are boldly visible. The prooflike lemon-yellow surfaces exhibit a scattering of minor contact marks on both sides. Altogether, the presentation is quite pleasing and the mystery of the spines is always intriguing.
From the collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2627, PCGS# 8564, Greysheet# 9348)

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.

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