Mint State 1797 Heraldic Eagle $10 Gold

1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Heraldic Eagle. BD-4, Taraszka-12. Rarity-4+. Unc Details--Cleaned (PCGS).

With an overall sharp strike and pleasing honey-gold patina, this is an attractive coin for the assigned grade. Ample luster remains, and the surfaces are otherwise satiny with semi-reflectivity evident in the fields. the denticulation is a bit thin along the lower right obverse border, but the impression is generally well centered with both sides sharply to fully defined over most design elements. Light adjustment marks over and around the obverse portrait are as made, and the surfaces are free of sizable handling marks. There is also no wear to report, although wispy hairlines and a curiously bright appearance point to a light cleaning, as indicated on the PCGS holder. The mintage for the 1797 Heraldic Eagle ten provided in most numismatic references is 10,940 coins, based on Walter Breen's assumption that production from the new Heraldic Eagle reverse dies began on June 7, 1797 with coins bearing that date continuing to be delivered through January 30, 1798. According to Mint records, 10,940 eagles were delivered during that period. Based on a more exhaustive study of die states and emission sequences, as well as modern estimates on the number of coins extant, John W. Dannreuther (2006) provides a broader range of 8,750 to 12,500 coins struck for the 1797 Heraldic Eagle. The author estimates that 3,500 to 5,000 examples were coined from the 1797 BD-4 dies, of which only 90 to 110 coins are extant in all grades. This more affordable, yet still pleasing Mint State example would fit comfortably into many advanced gold type or variety sets.

PCGS# 8559. NGC ID: 25ZY.

From the Francesca Collection.