Lot 1824
1796 BD-1 Rarity 4. NGC graded AU-58. Nicely struck and completely free from adjustment marks. The brilliant surfaces are shimmering with mint luster, exhibiting both a frosty quality and semi-reflectivity on both sides. This beauty has plenty of eye appeal. Just one die variety is known for the 1796 capped bust eagle. The obverse stars total 16, reflecting Tennessee’s admittance as a new state, arranged 8 + 8. LIBERTY is set higher on the obverse than on the 1795 varieties, starting from the peak of Liberty’s cap (farther left than on the 1795 coin) and ending adjacent her forelocks. The palm branch on the reverse now bears 11 leaves instead of 13 or nine as in 1795. The mintage is 4,146.
Very few marks, hairlines, or post-striking flaws are noted, one below the left wing can be used to trace provenance henceforth – this choice condition is in large part a byproduct of the safe storage for many years by the current consignor and (most probably) all those who owned the coin before. The coin is exceptionally well struck for an early period piece, as sharp as any 1796 eagle we have seen, with more than usual detail at the extreme central obverse and especially bold detail on the eagle, its eye, neck and body plumage. When was the last time we encountered a 1796 eagle that showed some feathers on the eagle's neck? Rarely, perhaps, which makes this coin special indeed. An important opportunity to acquire a coin with a respected provenance and especially bold specimen of a significant rarity, one of just 4,146 struck, as mentioned, representing the single die variety of this date. Pop 27; 15 finer, 1 in 60, 8 in 61, 4 in 62, 2 in 63 (PCGS # 8554) .
Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000.
Ex: Purchased from Abner Kreisberg in the late 1970's The Del Valle Collection.
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| Realized $91,063 |
