Lot 3425
1803 $10 Capped Bust. Small reverse stars BD-3, Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-58. A golden beauty loaded with luster and eye-appeal. Beginning with coins dated 1797, the Heraldic Eagle reverse (first used in the gold series on the 1796 $2.50) was paired to the obverse style used earlier. In keeping with silver and other gold denominations of the early 19th century, the reverse, adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding in its talons a bundle of arrows and an olive branch and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. A galaxy of stars and an line of clouds is above. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark of denomination or value.
The obverse remained the same as the 1795-1797 style, except that the star configuration varies on certain issues. The type set collector seeking a representative coin of the era will find that issues of 1799, 1800, 1801, or 1803 will be the most likely candidates. Examples are typically found in Very Fine to About Uncirculated condition and some, like the present 1803, are extremely attractive. Pop 27; 60 finer (PCGS # 8565) .
Die characteristics: On BD-3, the upper beak is near the star point; the right foot of E in STATES over a cloud space. Danreuthers estimates no more than 150 to 200 are known (Rarity-4), with 93 auction appearances between 1990 and 2005.
Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000.
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