1797 $10 Small Eagle MS(PCGS#8555)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4007

等级

AU53

价格

1,228,844

详细说明

Coveted 1797 Small Eagle $10 The Scarcest Date of the Small Eagle Design 1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-1, Taraszka-7. Rarity-5. AU-53 (PCGS). Type and Style:Type I: Capped Bust Right, Small Eagle. Style IV: Head of 1795 with 16 stars arranged 12 left, four right; Reverse of 1796 with 11 leaves on the palm branch. The head and eagle punches are attributed to hubs prepared by Robert Scot. This issue represents the only use of Style IV in the Capped Bust Right eagle series. Die Variety: BD-1, Taraszka-7, Breen 1-A, HBCC-3175. This is the only known die marriage for the 1797 Small Eagle ten, the reverse also used to strike all known 1796 eagles. Die State: BD Die State b/b. The obverse has a prominent, advanced crack from the border past star 16 that extends nearly to Liberty's upper throat. A second, considerably lighter crack originates near the start of the first crack and extends to the end of the bust. The reverse die state is the same seen on most 1796 eagles with a light clash mark in the upper wreath below the letters TES in STATES and no cracks. Estimated Mintage for the Issue: The mintage for the 1797 Small Eagle provided in most numismatic references is 3,615 coins, based on Walter Breen's (Encyclopedia, 1988) assertion that the 3,615 eagles delivered from March 25 through May 2, 1797, were of this issue. Based on a more exhaustive study of die states and emission sequences, as well as modern estimates on the number of coins extant, Dannreuther provides an estimated mintage of 1,250 to 3,615 coins for the 1797 Small Eagle. Indeed, we now know that some 1796-dated coins were struck after the 1797 Small Eagle pieces, perhaps included among the 3,615 eagles delivered between Mar 25 and May 2 (see below). Estimated Mintage for the Variety: Since there is only a single die variety known for the 1797 Small Eagle ten, the estimated mintage for the variety is the same as that for the issue. Estimated Surviving Population for the Variety: Dannreuther believes that only 55 to 65 coins are extant, PCGS CoinFactstakes a similar stance with an estimate of 50 to 60 survivors. Strike: This is an overall boldly defined early eagle, the denticulation full around both sides, all devices crisp, and the more protected areas of Liberty's portrait and the eagle retaining razor sharp detail. Trivial rub to the high points is commensurate with the assigned grade, in which areas we also note characteristic - and trivial - softness of strike. Surfaces: Both sides are predominantly lustrous with ample soft satin finish. The appearance is pleasing with a blend of deep gold and rose-orange colors. Remarkably attractive for the type and the assigned grade, even trivial features for identification purposes are difficult to come by, although we do note a few minor nicks in the left obverse field as well as in the reverse field below the eagle's left wing. A faint planchet drift mark on the reverse that bisects the second letter T in STATES is as made. Commentary: The 1797 is the scarcest date in the brief Capped Bust Right, Small Eagle ten-dollar gold series of 1795 to 1797. Most survivors are of BD Die State b/b, as here, although the Harry Bass Core Collection specimen is a notable exception without the prominent obverse die break at 4:30 (Die State a/b). As discussed above in our description for the 1796 eagle in this collection, at least one example of that date is known to have been struck after all known 1797 Small Eagle coins due to the presence of a reverse die crack from the border through the right side of the letter O in OF to the wreath. Whether a remarriage for the 1797 Small Eagle is also known is pending discovery of an example of this date with that reverse die crack. Your cataloger (JLA) thinks this is unlikely since the prominent obverse die break seen on most 1797 Small Eagle coins undoubtedly resulted in the die's failure, withdrawal from production, and (brief) replacement by the 1796-dated obverse die. A highlight of the present sale, this lovely and scarce early eagle is sure to find its way into another highly regarded numismatic cabinet. Provenance: From the Harvey B. Jacobson Jr. Collection. Acquired from Alan Kreuzer, 2003. PCGS# 8555. NGC ID: BFYN. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]