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Sale 84
January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach
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Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 2008 |
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1801 BD-2 Rarity 2. PCGS graded MS-63. A well preserved Select Uncirculated example with smooth, velvety luster and very subtle green-gold features. The 1801 ten presented here has excellent detail throughout with no sign of weakness at either of the centers. The stars, too, are outstanding and bold. Liberty's hair shows well defined smooth waves and includes the uniquely designed forehead roll of hair plus nice folds and the artistically formed "mob" cap on her head. The hair and cap come together nicely at the back so that one is never sure where the cap ends and the hair begins. Attention is also called to those strands of hair looped up over the front of the cap. Again, this is a very attractive design that seldom seen as sharp as on this coin. This is especially important on an early eagle struck in the opening years of the Mint, as so many had adjustment marks or were poorly defined in some way. There are no marks, adjustment lines, or rim bruises of any kind, everything is simply outstanding for the assigned MS-63 grade by PCGS.
Robert Scot's designs for the ten dollar gold piece copied those of the quarter eagle. Liberty's draped and capped effigy on the obverse continued from 1795-97; from 1798 to 1804, the Heraldic Eagle reverse was derived from the Great Seal of the United States, but with the same blunder as on the smaller denominations, the warlike arrows are in the dexter (left facing) or more honorable claw, outranking the olive branch for peace. Pop 37; 38 finer, 35 in 64, 3 in 65 (PCGS # 8564) .
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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Lot 2009 |
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1801. BD-2, Rarity 2. PCGS graded MS-61. This die pairing is identifiable as the stars are thinner and longer than seen on the BD-1 variety. Star 1 points to cap, star 8 is near cap with two points in that direction, and star 13 almost touches bust. This Mint State example is quite well struck with an appealing overlay of abundant orange-golden patina over lightly reflective fields. What is most unusual about it is the clockwork precision seen in the hair curls, the cap folds, and all of the heraldic eagle with its complex design. Only a few stars are rounded on the obverse (a common occurrence). There is an identifying milling mark below Liberty's ear that can be used in tracing this coin's provenance in the future. All else is bright and glistening, a coin with spectacular eye appeal given the usual humdrum quality seen on many early $10 gold pieces. This is a strike made soon after the dies clashed, leaving minor residual "bars" from the eagle's shield on the upper part of the cap (PCGS # 8564) .
Estimated Value $27,000 - 29,000.
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Lot 2010 |
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1803. Extra Star. BD-5, High Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-61. The 1803 $10 Extra Star Reverse is an unusual variety with an unlikely surprise in the final cloud on the right of the reverse. There, a mint engraver impressed a clear, tiny star just right of center. The star is visible and obvious on well-struck, unworn examples, but becomes indistinct on worn coins and may not be visible at all on a poorly struck example. On this coin, the star is visible with light magnification.
The present coin is an impressive Mint State specimen with well-detailed design elements throughout. There are no mentionable mint-made adjustment marks that are so often seen on these large gold coins. The pleasing surfaces retain almost all of their original mint luster under attractive shades of honey-gold patina. No large or distracting contact marks are evident, but a small dark toning spot is under the T of UNITED, that being mentioned for pedigree purposes. This coin will be a welcome addition to a fine collection of early U.S. gold. Pop 2; 8 finer, 4 in 62, 3 in 63. (PCGS # 88565) .
Estimated Value $35,000 - 38,000.
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Lot 2011 |
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1804. Crosslet 4. PCGS graded MS-61. A beautiful original coin with light natural toning graces the still remaining mint luster on both sides. Weakly struck on the face and light adjustment marks over stars, cloud, right wing of the eagle, and the shield, but overall speaking, still a very presentable specimen with choice eye appeal. Only 3,757 struck, and about 80 to 100 examples known to have survived. Pop 7; 4 finer, 2 in 62, 2 in 63. (PCGS # 8566) .
Estimated Value $80,000 - 85,000.
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