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Sale 135
Lot 752
1795. 13 leaves below eagle. BD-1, Rarity-3+. PCGS graded AU-58. CAC. BD-1. Premium Quality. Just graded at PCGS for the first time. Well struck with nice proof like fields on both sides. This coin obviously circulated for a very limited amount of time, and the amount of wear is neither excessive nor distracting, in fact the hint of wear is barely detectible with a loup. There is still some traces of mint luster and the surfaces have acquired a pleasing light golden toning. The surfaces are attractive with so adjustments readily visible or rim issues of any kind. The strike is bold throughout and all the finer devices of Liberty's hair curls are well brought up. Matching this on the reverse, the eagle has full wing and breast feathers, a feature rarely seen on these early ten dollar gold coins. While there are several die pairings of 1795 eagles known, this particular one is the most available, but is seldom seen this well preserved and with such wonderful eye appeal.
This is a major type coin and important representative of our United States coinage. First off, gold could not be coined at the Philadelphia Mint before a surety bond could be obtained for the key employees of the Mint, hence no gold coins could be minted prior to these first 1795 gold pieces of both the Five Dollar and Ten Dollar size. Quarter eagles of $2.50 in value were not coined until 1796. The "Eagle" or Ten Dollar gold piece was the most valuable and highest denomination coin planned for use in the United States. Considerable effort went into their production and these coins were a major achievement for the Mint workers at the time. By striking this large gold coin, America could boast they were a sovereign nation and one which had control over its destiny and money. The importance of this gold issue cannot be overstated, and obtaining such a glorious example like this really puts the lucky collector into a memorable status for their collection. This is one of the toughest issues to obtain in any grade, let alone such a lofty, desirable grade of AU58. How tough is this coin to find? The last PCGS AU58 sold at auction was in January of 2014, nearly a decade ago! So if you miss this example at our auction it may be another decade before another chance comes up to buy such a coin. A very nice example for the grade. Pop 34; only 51 finer, the finest example in MS-66+ at PCGS. Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000
The Americana Collection.
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| Realized $204,000 |
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