1803 $10 Small Stars Reverse AU53 NGC....

Description

High R.5 1803 Ten Dollar, BD-1
Small Stars Reverse, AU53

1803 $10 Small Stars Reverse AU53 NGC. Breen-6844, Taraszka-26, BD-1, High R.5. There are four die marriages for the Small Stars Reverse of 1803 (BD-1 through BD-4), and two for the Large Stars Reverse (BD-5 and BD-6). All six marriages for the year share a single obverse die. Of the four Small Stars Reverse pairings, the BD-1 is the second most common (or third rarest), although it is nonetheless quite rare in an absolute sense.
This piece shows the diagnostic star pointing just above the top of the eagle's beak that characterizes this reverse, one that Bass-Dannreuther note "must have failed quite quickly as only 30 to 40 examples of this rare variety are still in existence." This piece has considerable luster remaining over yellow-gold surfaces that display a few scattered ticks and scrapes consistent with a short stay in circulation, or perhaps in some wealthy citizen's pocket in the early 19th century. There are few signs of why the die collapsed so early, although this piece does show an interesting, bold die line between TA on the reverse that also appears in the BD reference. Minor adjustment marks appear at the lower reverse.(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2628, PCGS# 8565, GSID# 9349)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 17.50 grams
AGW: 0.51577oz
Mintage: 15,017

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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