Lot 2964
1799 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-64. Very well struck on an adjustment free planchet. Intensely lustrous and untoned. We note some faint hairlines scattered about in the unprotected areas. The 1799 BD-10 Large Stars is the final and most available of all varieties of 1799 Eagle. This should come as no surprise to specialists since the 37,449-piece mintage for this date is quite generous by the standards of this series. When one stops to consider that only an tiny fraction of early U.S. gold coins made survive today, then this die marriage can only be considered "available" in an absolute sense. This elusive nature is further augmented when viewed in terms of market availability, for Capped Bust Right Eagles of all issues, and particularly those of 1799 and 1801, enjoy strong demand among gold type collectors.
A satisfyingly beautiful early Eagle, this fully Choice representative possesses rich, brilliant original-looking color. Pale greenish undertones and strict gold highlights compete for dominance as the viewer rotates the coin under a light. Satiny luster is the key here, and it is seen throughout, the reverse field also revealing full brightness at all viewing angles. We have nothing negative to say about the strike; on the contrary, both sides are nicely centered with suitably bold, sharp devices. Perhaps one could make the complaint that the second cloud from the right is flat (due to its position opposite a high point of the obverse design) but this would be hypercritical. With none but the most trivial abrasions, this overall smooth-looking coin will easily form the centerpiece of any high-quality type set. Pop 44; 7 finer.
Several events of note in the year 1799: Congress suspended all trade with France and her colonies. The frigate Constellation captured the French sailing ship Insurgente. In March 1799, President John Adams appointed William Varns Murray to be the new Minister to France. Murray headed a peace commission which ended hostilities with France. Also this year, on December 14, George Washington died of a severe throat infection, following a cold caught while riding around his farm in the rain and snow. (An Alexandria, Virginia newspaper published in its entirety the report submitted by the attending physicians.).
Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000.
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