Lot 3353
1797 $10 Capped Bust. Large eagle. NGC graded MS-61. Even light toning on both sides. A popular type coin. BD-3 "Short Thin Neck Eagle." Universally sought after since it is the first year of the new heraldic eagle design and a rarity in Uncirculated condition. This variety is characterized by the short, thin neck on the eagle (the two other die varieties on this year and heraldic type have either a long neck or a short thick neck on the eagle. Only a single obverse is used on the 1797 Heraldic Eagle tens, with the 16 stars arranged 10 left and six right. The surfaces exhibit the pleasing reddish gold to green-gold hues with ample satiny luster confirming the Mint State 61 grade. Well struck throughout, and well centered for that matter, with only a few typical hairlines and small marks on either side. Some might feel this piece grades a point higher because everything is well balanced and injury free. For identifying purposes, there is a shallow curved lint mark on the lower part of Liberty's neck. The NGC holder number is 1518362006. Pop 27; 17 finer, 13 in 62, 3 in 63, 1 in 64 (PCGS # 8559) .
Beginning with coins dated 1797, the Heraldic Eagle reverse (first used in the gold series on the 1796 $2.50, although an anachronistic $5 of 1795 must be mentioned) was combined to the obverse style used earlier in 1795-97. In keeping with silver and other gold denominations of the period, the reverse was adapted from the Great Seal of the United States. It depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding in its talons a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, while in its beak there is a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. An array of stars with clouds forms an arc above. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark of denomination or value, again, typical of the period.
Estimated Value $38,000 - 42,000.
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