Lot 1651
1850 $10 Liberty. Small date. NGC graded MS-61. Light golden toning. A very presentable strike. The small date is a very rare variety. Almost unavailable in Mint condition, the world-famous Harry Bass collection had an example in AU50. From first hand inspection, and easily seen in the photographs provided, this is a very nice example of a variety that Walter Breen's encyclopedia called "Very rare," further noting: "Date smaller than on cents or previous eagles since 1842, from logotype intended for half eagles." The present example, with warm yellow gold surfaces and much luster, is very pleasing to the eye. There is one small tic below Liberty's eye; on the reverse, one small tic under each wing, with smooth luster elsewhere. Pop 2; none finer (PCGS # 8604) .
The date logotype is small as described. It is positioned slightly closer to the neck truncation than to the denticles. This is an early strike from the dies before a die crack developed from the border through star 5 to the coronet. Star 1 has a very short outer ray (a phenomenon seen on certain other issues of the period).
Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500.
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| Realized $6,613 |
