1804 $10 Crosslet 4, BD-1, High R.4, MS61 PCGS....

Description

1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle, MS61
Crosslet 4, BD-1 Variety
One of the Original Circulation Strikes

1804 $10 Crosslet 4, BD-1, High R.4, MS61 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. The year 1804 is a magical date in many U.S. series, both in silver and gold. It is especially important among the early gold issues, where it represents the final early ten dollar gold coins struck for circulation. The ten dollar denomination would not resume until 1838, when the Liberty Head eagle design made its debut. The 1804 Crosslet 4 eagle is a low-mintage issue with an estimated 90 to 120 pieces known. Mint State coins are rare, with a combined population of 12 to 16 pieces, most of which exist in the MS60 to MS63 range. This elusive date comes from a reported mintage of 3,757 pieces, although that number is suspected to include many 1803-dated coins. The 1804 Crosslet 4 coins comprise the sole original striking of 1804 eagles. The issue's distant cousin -- the celebrated Plain 4 coins (BD-2) -- are proof restrikes or die trials struck in 1834-35, ostensibly for distribution to leaders of Southeast Asia including the King of Siam. In addition to the obvious Crosslet 4 vs. Plain 4 date numeral difference, the reverses are notably dissimilar: Original strikes employ the Large Reverse Stars die carried over from the extremely rare 1803 BD-6 eagles, while the restrikes employ an unused 1806 half dollar reverse die.

The present coin is a smoothly attractive and partially reflective original Crosslet 4 example, brightly lustrous throughout both sides. The strike details are fairly typical for the issue, showing softly defined facial features and slight bluntness at the the eagle's right (facing) wing junction. The hair curls, however, are more well defined than normally seen, and the eagle's breast feathers are almost fully articulated. Some subtle die bulges in the obverse fields offer further confirmation of the late die state, with die cracks visible on both the obverse and the reverse. There are a few clusters of light, Mint-made adjustment marks on the reverse, one group on the central clouds and stars, while additional faint marks are seen on the eagle's right wing and diagonally across the shield. Both sides display vibrant luster and lovely reddish accents, making this example a fitting capstone to any fine early eagle collection. Population: 8 in 61, 7 finer (12/22).
From The Riverboat Collection of Early Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFYU, Variety PCGS# 45741, Base PCGS# 8566)

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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