1804 $10 Crosslet 4 MS61 NGC. Breen-6847, Taraszka-31, BD-1, High R.4....

Description

1804 BD-1 Crosslet 4 Eagle, MS61
The Only 1804 Production Variety

1804 $10 Crosslet 4 MS61 NGC. Breen-6847, Taraszka-31, BD-1, High R.4. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b. The Crosslet 4 variety was coined for circulation in 1804, and the other variety, the Plain 4, is only known in proof format, produced in the 1830s for inclusion in the presentation coinage sets that also included the 1804 silver dollar. Between 80 and 100 of these Crosslet 4 coins are believed to survive in all grades. The ten dollar gold piece was the largest denomination at the time, discontinued by an executive order of President Thomas Jefferson, as its intrinsic value exceeded its nominal value. The denomination reappeared 34 years later in 1838.
The Crosslet 4 is sufficient to identify the BD-1 variety. The reverse die is a "carryover" from the BD-6 of 1803, although Bass-Dannreuther notes that the 1803 BD-6, based on die state evidence, was actually struck after the 1804 BD-1. The obverse here shows a die crack from star 1 to the 18 of the date. The reverse displays one crack through the tops of UNITED, and a second crack from the top left of the U, through the eagle's tail, and thence to the top of the last A in AMERICA.
Die polishing has created moderate brightness in the obverse fields of this MS61 specimen. That side also displays pronounced planchet adjustment marks from stars 11-13 upward through the upper portion of Liberty's profile. More adjustment marks appear on the lower bust and the lower hair curls, running into the left field. The strike on the reverse is a trifle irregular, fully defined on the eagle's breast but soft on the right (facing) wing tip and head. There is no evidence of reflectivity on the reverse. Both sides exhibit light, consistent orange-gold coloration, with minimal abrasions. We suspect that the extensive planchet adjustment marks account for much of the grade, yet they fail to detract from the appeal and historic importance of this early gold type example. Census: 13 in 61, 12 finer (11/11).(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 8566, Greysheet# 9352)

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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