1803 $10 Large Reverse Stars, Star on Cloud, BD-5, High R.4, MS61 PCGS....

Description

1803 Large Reverse Stars Eagle, MS61
'Extra Star' on Cloud Variety, BD-5

1803 $10 Large Reverse Stars, Star on Cloud, BD-5, High R.4, MS61 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State g/a. The obverse die, now in its fifth appearance (of six) is cracked through LIBERTY. The reverse die shows no cracks on this early die state of the BD-5 die combination. This die combination was known to early students of the series, but none had noticed the extra star on the rightmost cloud. Harry W. Bass, Jr. made that discovery in May 1966, earning congratulations from Walter Breen.

That curious feature contributes to the variety's popularity with collectors. John Dannreuther estimates that only 90 to 110 examples exist in all grades, and they are certainly rare in Mint State. The 14th reverse star is faint but clear on this MS61 representative. The BD-5 is the only collectible 1803 eagle with the Large Stars reverse as 1803 BD-6, having a different Large Stars reverse is an important rarity with a population of less than 10 coins. We know from die states that the BD-6 was struck after the 1804 Crosslet 4 eagles, and it is likely that these 1803 BD-5 eagles were also struck in 1804.

Abundant luster shines on warm yellow-gold surfaces. This example is well struck. Faint mint-made striations appear diagonally across the central obverse and near the date. Overall, an extremely eye-appealing, uncirculated example of this better-date early eagle. Population: 3 in 61, 18 finer (12/22).
From The Riverboat Collection of Early Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 262A, Variety PCGS# 45739, Base PCGS# 98565)

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 all of [The Riverboat Collection of Early Eagles ]

View Certification Details from PCGS