1852 $10 Wass, Molitor & Co. Ten Dollar, Large Head, MS62 PCGS. K-4, R.5....

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1852 Wass Molitor Ten, K-4, MS62
Large Head Variant

1852 $10 Wass, Molitor & Co. Ten Dollar, Large Head, MS62 PCGS. K-4, R.5. The firm of Wass, Molitor & Co. produced only five dollar and ten dollar pieces in 1852, while in 1855 they made ten dollar, twenty dollar, and fifty dollar pieces. The ten dollar denomination was the only one that repeated in 1855. The 1852 fives and tens are both known with so-called Small Head and Large Head styles (although Kagin calls the ten dollar pieces "Long Neck" and "Short Neck," respectively, for the Small Head and Large Head.) The 1852 ten dollars are known with three date styles: High Narrow Date, Low Narrow Date, and Wide Date, as here.

All of the 1852 Wide Date tens are of the Large Head (or Short Neck) type. The Large Head, Wide Date shows the 2 in the date slanted to the left at its top and partially protruding from under the bust truncation. All known examples of the 1852 K-4 ten show numerous obverse die cracks -- Kagin enumerates 10; see that reference for the detailed list -- as well as three others on the reverse. Clearly this was a die that was stressed and ready to crack, or cracked already, before any coins were struck -- or, at least, any that survive today.

The present piece shows wonderfully deep, rich orange-gold color with strong mint luster. The obverse die was cut too deeply, which caused a concaveness on that side. As a result, the reverse die was convex. This causes the reverse, as Don Kagin put it, "to be much weaker (usually appearing 15 points inferior) than obverse." This is the strongest strike we have seen on this variety. The feathers on the eagle's breast and neck are unusually sharp. This unusual exception to the rule should make this a highly desirable specimen to those who appreciate the subtleties of the striking characteristics of Wass Molitor coinage. Scattered minor abrasions, mostly seen under a loupe, account for the grade. This coin makes a splendid representative of this highly collectible Territorial issue. Listed on page 416 of the 2024 Guide Book. Population: 2 in 62, 1 finer (11/23).
Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2011), lot 5725.
From The Old Pioneer Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# ANJN, PCGS# 10348, Greysheet# 11884)

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