1795 $5 BD-10, Small Eagle AU58 认证号46092958, PCGS号519859

1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-10, R.5, AU58 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/b. This is the BD-10 plate coin in the Bass-Dannreuther reference. While the BD-10 variety is reasonably available from an estimated 40 to 50 surviving examples, few of those can match the quality of this near-Mint coin. The BD-10 die pair shares its obverse with the BD-8 and BD-9 varieties, easily identified by its crowded date numerals squeezed into the small space between Liberty's lowest curl and down-sloping drapery. Obverse die lapping removes die clashing visible on BD-9, and the obverse stars appear somewhat smaller than usual as a result. Four berries decorate the reverse wreath -- two left and two right, distinguished by the inside-right berry lower than any other Small Eagle reverse. Brilliant yellow-gold surfaces are lightly abraded with a hint of high-point wear from brief circulation. There are no heavy marks, although the lower-right reverse rim shows Mint-made adjustment marks that eliminate the dentils in that area. Considerable prooflike flash remains within the outer legends. Both the D in UNITED and the second T in STATES are markedly recut and serve as interesting diagnostics, not mentioned in the Harry Bass commentary or the Dannreuther text. The finest BD-10 Small Eagle five dollar gold piece appeared in our April 2015 Central States Platinum Night auction, an amazing MS64 Prooflike coin certified by NGC. While that coin remains head and shoulders above the two Mint State coins, the present Harry Bass Core Collection coin claims a leading role among near-Mint examples and is notably impressive in its own right. Early half eagle enthusiasts are sure to take note.