The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II

Eagles 1795 Onward

The Bass Collection $10 Gold Eagles

A Notable Offering

Our offering of gold $10 eagles includes important issues of the early years, after which business strikes from 1838 onward and Proofs from the 1860s onward are showcased, the Proofs representing the finest Harry W. Bass, Jr., could locate in over three decades of collecting. Although our Part III sale will showcase business strikes in the Liberty Head series, the present offering brings to market some of the highest quality coins to cross the auction block in our generation. Harry Bass’ primary interest in the series ended with the last year of the Liberty Head and first year of the Saint-Gaudens coins in 1907. The 1908 and later Indian Head coins, which offered no variations in date logotype locations, were acquired only casually.

Numismatic Notes

Gold eagles were made in six major design types, or even more if star positions are noted among the earlier issues and the portrait variations of 1838-9 are added. No coins of the denomination were struck from 1805 to 1837 inclusive. Thus, certain Capped Bust and Classic Head issues found in the $2.50 and $5 series have no counterparts among eagles. The standard type divisions, as widely collected today, are given below, along with commentaries.

Coinage was at the Philadelphia Mint for the early years, 1795-1804. For Liberty Head issues 1839-1907 certain pieces were struck at the New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City mints. Beginning in 1906, the Denver Mint also produced coins. The Charlotte and Dahlonega mints, although their output was limited to gold issues, never coins pieces above the $5 denomination.

Type I

1795-1797 Capped Bust to Right, Small Eagle

Eagles or $10 gold coins, the largest United States denomination authorized under the Mint Act of April 2, 1792, were not struck until 1795. A delay was caused until the chief coiner and assayer were able to post the high bonds, now somewhat reduced, required of them before striking precious metals.

The first gold coins struck were $5 half eagles, made in July 1795. The $10 eagle coinage followed soon thereafter. The first $10 gold piece struck at the Philadelphia Mint was presented by Director Henry William de Saussure to President George Washington, by whom he had been appointed to the office as second director of the Mint (following Rittenhouse).

The design of the first eagle issue is similar to that of the contemporary half eagle and is also by Robert Scot. On the obverse Miss Liberty is shown wearing a cloth cap, facing right, with stars to the left and right. The reverse, copied from the design of an ancient cameo, depicts an eagle perched on a palm branch holding a wreath aloft in its beak. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no indication of denomination or value on this or the subsequent eagle type. During this era, gold coins of many nations circulated in American commerce, and their value was determined by a combination of weight and fineness (purity), various conversion charts being published from time to time in newspapers and journals.

Eagles made their first appearance in circulation toward the end of 1795. As nearly all extant specimens show signs of wear, it is evident that such pieces saw extensive use in commerce.

With a total mintage of an estimated 13,344 pieces, eagles of this design type are rare today, and each and every variety is considered to be a numismatic prize. With some searching, attractive Very Fine to AU coins can be located. At infrequent intervals Uncirculated pieces appear on the market, usually when great collections are dispersed. Such coins are apt to have prooflike surfaces, a situation especially true of the first year of issue, 1795.

Type II

1798-1804 Capped Bust to Right, Heraldic Eagle

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 mated to the obverse style used earlier. In keeping with silver and other gold denominations of the 1800 period, the reverse, adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding in its talons a bundle of arrows and an olive branch and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. A galaxy of stars and an arc of clouds is above. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark of denomination or value.

The obverse remained the same as the 1795-1797 style, except that the star configuration varies on certain issues. For example, the 1798/7, an overdate, exists with nine stars left and four right and also with seven stars left and six right. No eagles were struck after 1804, as it was felt that because of rising bullion prices the pieces would be melted or exported as soon as they were produced. For all $10 gold coins with the Heraldic Eagle reverse, business strike mintage totaled an estimated 119,248 pieces. It seems that many if not most pieces either were melted by bullion speculators in the early 19th century, or were shipped overseas, primarily to Europe, where they met a similar fate. The Treasury Department realized that continuing coinage of $10 coins would be an exercise in futility, and for this reason coinage was halted in 1804.

The type set collector seeking a representative coin of the era will find that issues of 1799, 1800, 1801, or 1803 will be the most likely candidates. Examples are typically found in Very Fine to AU condition. Uncirculated pieces are rare. Mint State coins have frosty surfaces, unlike the prooflike surfaces of the $10 coins of the mid-1790s.

Type III

1839-1866 Coronet Head, No Motto

Christian Gobrecht’s Coronet style, also called the Liberty Head or Braided Hair motif, was used on the eagle beginning in 1838, two years earlier than on the quarter eagle and one year before the style was used on the half eagle. This followed a lapse of coinage of the denomination since 1804.

The obverse depicts a female head, nicknamed Miss Liberty by numismatists, facing left, her hair in a bun secured by a string of beads, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Stars surround, and the date is below.

The reverse shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch, holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TEN D. surrounds. The Liberty head used in 1838 and early 1839 is slightly differently styled than that used later in 1839, continuing to the end of the series. The most prominent difference can be noted in the shape of the neck truncation and its relation to stars and the date.

Throughout the Liberty Head series 1838-1907, mintages were continuous at the Philadelphia Mint. A number of scarce Philadelphia issues occur in the span, 1858 in particular is considered to be rare, and most issues of the 1860s were produced in low numbers. In addition, pieces were produced at New Orleans and San Francisco.

Total business strike mintage of the 1838-1866 type is estimated at 5,292,499, while about 400 Proofs were minted for collectors.

For type set purposes the numismatist can readily obtain an example of one of the more plentiful dates in grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine. AU pieces are scarcer, and Uncirculated pieces are quite scarce. Superb Uncirculated coins are seldom seen or encountered and are apt to come on the market only when great collections are marketed. Proofs were minted at Philadelphia and in all instances are rare.

Type IV

1866-1907 Coronet Head, With Motto

In 1866 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse of the eagle. Imprinted on a scroll or ribbon, the motto was employed from that time through 1907. Otherwise the Liberty Head obverse and perched eagle reverse are the same as employed earlier.

Production was continuous at the Philadelphia Mint during this span and nearly continuous at San Francisco. Beginning in 1870, examples were struck at the Carson City Mint. New Orleans coins were produced from 1879 through 1883 and again in several later years. Coins were struck at Denver in 1906 and 1907.

Business strike mintage for the period totaled 37,391,767, while Proofs were made to the extent of 2,327 pieces.

In seeking a single coin from Very Fine to AU to illustrate the design the type set collector will have a wide choice of specimens. Examples are not rare. Uncirculated pieces are readily encountered of dates toward the end of the type, often from overseas bank hoards. Superb Uncirculated pieces are very elusive, this being especially true of any date prior to the 1890s. Proofs are occasionally available, but all are rare. As a denomination, Proof $10 coins seem to be harder to find than are $1, $2.50, $3, $5, or $20 Proof issues.

Type V

1907 Indian Head, No Motto

Following the limited coinage of two varieties of experimental pieces, with periods before and after the legends on the reverse, business strikes of the 1907-1908 issue were produced for circulation. The designer was Augustus Saint-Gaudens, America’s best known sculptor of the era. The same artist also created the new $20 coins of 1907.

The obverse depicts Miss Liberty wearing an Indian headdress inscribed LIBERTY on a band, 13 stars are in an arc above, and the date is below.

The reverse depicts a perched eagle with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM to the right, and the denomination expressed as TEN DOLLARS below. As President Roosevelt personally objected to the use of the name of the Deity on coins, the Indian issues of 1907 and certain issues of 1908 lack IN GOD WE TRUST. Coinage of the type was effected at Philadelphia in 1907 and 1908 and also in Denver the latter year. Business strike mintage for the type totaled 483,448.

Specimens are readily available in grades from Extremely Fine to AU. Uncirculated pieces are seen with some regularity, but superb Uncirculated coins are decidedly rare.

Type VI

1908-1933 Indian Head, With Motto

In 1908 Saint-Gaudens’ Indian Head design was modified on the reverse by the addition of IN GOD WE TRUST in the field at the center right. The motto, restored by a special act of Congress, remained in effect through the end of the series in 1933. Otherwise the Indian head obverse and perched eagle reverse motif remained unchanged. The edges of issues 1908-1911 have 46 raised stars, while those minted from 1912 onward have 48 raised stars, reflecting an increased number of states in the Union. Most collectors have ignored the star count difference, and consider all 1908-1933 coins to be of the same basic design.

Mintage was intense and continuous from 1908 through 1916, after which no examples were made until 1920-S, followed by a gap until the 1926 Philadelphia issue, with the next being 1930-S, then 1932 and 1933. Business strike mintage for the type totaled 14,385,139, while 768 Proofs were made, the latter being of the Matte and Roman Finish formats.

The numismatist seeking an example of the 1908-1933 type will have no difficulty locating one of the more plentiful dates in Extremely Fine to AU grade. Choice Uncirculated pieces range from very scarce to extremely rare, with the exception of 1926 and in particular 1932. In general, much of the mintage from 1908 through 1916 was used extensively in bank to bank transactions and overseas, with the result that most of these seen today show signs of wear.

Collecting Considerations

Similar to the situation for $5 and $20 coins, $10 gold eagles were not widely collected by numismatists until the 1930s. In 1893, in his Mint Marks monograph, Heaton stated that he was not aware of a single numismatist who collected these large denominations by mintmark varieties. The situation did not change appreciably by 1909, when Edgar H. Adams published Adams Official Premium List of United States Private and Territorial Gold Coins. For example, Carson City rarities, so much appreciated by a later generation of numismatists, had no premium value at the time.

Similarly, while it seems that perhaps a few collectors acquired Proofs from the Mint from the 1860s onward, these had very little after-market value. By the turn of the 20th century, a collector with a run of Proofs from the 1880s and 1890s might well find it more expedient to place them into circulation, as the numismatic value was only slightly over face value.

When a surge of numismatic interest developed for large-denomination gold coins in the 1930s, following the government recall of gold from the public, the $10 denomination was not as enthusiastically collected as were the other denominations. In time, $10 pieces came to be appreciated–as they are today–but it was learned that many issues, once available, were now lost. It is the case that many if not most $10 coins of the 1840s through the 1870s are prime rarities in Mint State, although some are readily found in worn grades such as Very Fine. At the present time, the formation of a fine cabinet of Liberty Head $10 gold coins 1838-1907 is one of the greatest challenges in numismatics. The series also has the advantage that there are no "impossible" rarities. Each and every date and mintmark is highly collectible. The fascinating part is that some varieties in grades such as EF and AU are not particularly expensive, but it may require several years of waiting before one comes along. The present Bass Collection offering is remarkable for the opportunities it offers in this regard.

Upon close inspection, just about every variety has something of interest to relate with regard to the dies. Salient points are discussed in the notes provided with most of the coin descriptions.

Popular 1795 Eagle

Breen-2A, Taraszka-2


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1303     1795 Breen-6830, Breen-2A, Taraszka-2. Rarity-4. 13 Leaves. AU-55 (PCGS). Light greenish gold with reflective surfaces. Slightly weak at center of obverse and reverse, as typical, and also with minor adjustment marks across the eagle’s body, this also being typical for the era. This piece is of impressive and very pleasing quality overall.

Five varieties of 1795 $10 are known, this being second in the emission order. The reverse die was earlier used for the Breen-1A die marriage and the obverse die was later used for the famous 1795 Nine Leaves eagle. The 1795 eagle has enduring popularity from its status as the first year of the denomination. As such, this pleasing coin will be a highly prized addition to either a type set or a specialized collection. This example is among the top half dozen we have ever offered for sale in any public auction. The Eliasberg coin and a specimen we offered in September 1995 are the only clearly finer coins. Reviewing our public auction sales of the period from 1972 to date, the cataloguer (Mark Borckardt) finds that we have offered 64 eagles of 1795 for sale, just 18 of which were this variety.

Note: For early gold coins PCGS figures are typically by year or major difference, not by technical die varieties. Thus, in virtually all instances the population reports are optimistic with regard to a particular die variety; examples of a given die variety are rarer.

A late die state with both obverse and reverse dies lapped.

United States Ten Dollar Gold Eagles 1795-1834 by Anthony J. Taraszka has just been published by Anton’s of Portage, Michigan. As it becomes distributed, this will take its place as an extremely important contribution to the literature of early gold coinage. Each of the 33 die varieties (including the 1804 Plain 4 Proof issue) is described, and most importantly, illustrated by enlarged photographs. The varieties are presented in the order they were actually issued, and die states are discussed along with updated rarity ratings. With publication of this reference, there can be no more question about attribution of these large, early coins. We were fortunate to have early access to a manuscript copy of this reference which provided considerable assistance in our presentation of these coins from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation.

Thank you, Tony, for providing access to your most excellent study. For those interested in obtaining a copy, we will be happy to assist. But hurry, as only 300 copies were printed.

Purchased from Joe Flynn, Sr. Coin Co., September 2, 1971.

Spectacular 1797 Small Eagle $10

Rarest Date Among Small Eagle Issues

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1304     1797 Breen-6833, B-1A, T-7. Rarity-5. Small Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). Brilliant, satiny yellow gold with considerable greenish tint. Slightly reflective surfaces with minor abrasions.

As we discuss in our notes, the 1797 year is seldom found in any offering of $10 pieces. Thus, the present coin, combining very high grade and notable rarity, will be appreciated by a wide audience. Among Small Eagle $10 gold, 1795 is most common with several hundred survivors, 1796 is next with over 100 survivors, and 1797 is rarest with less than 75 known, probably actually only 50 to 60 survivors. Interestingly, our survey of coins appearing in our own auctions since 1972 confirms these figures. We have offered the following quantity of early eagles for each date: 1795 - 64; 1796 - 21; 1797 - 12. This example is the finest we have ever offered, exceeding in quality the AU-55 coins we sold in September 1993 and March 1989. The reverse die of this variety is the same as was used in 1796 with all 1797 issues struck between early and late states of 1796-dated coinage.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-60).

A die crack from the border below star 16 extends diagonally up to the left, almost reaching Liberty’s neck. A branch crack just inside the dentils extends to end of the drapery.

We have commented in the past about the relationship of star 1 touching the date, however, just as unusual is the actual layout of 16 obverse stars with 12 along the left border and just four right. A truly unique situation among early American coinage.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of the Beck Collection, January 1975, part of Lot 486. This lot was a complete 11-piece date set of early eagles, including this 1797 Small Eagle $10 and both varieties of 1798.

Attractive 1797 Heraldic Eagle $10

Another Important Opportunity

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1305     1797 Breen-6834, B-2B, T-8. Rarity-4. Heraldic Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). Very light greenish yellow gold with considerable reflective lustre. Slightly weak at central obverse, otherwise all details are bold. Well centered impression with full obverse and reverse borders.

The present piece will be highly appreciated by the die variety specialist as well as the type coin collector. Few equivalent pieces have ever been offered.

The obverse has a faint crack from the border vertically through the final 7. On the reverse, a light crack joins the border at 2:00 to wing tip and another from the border between S and O joins the cloud.

The emission sequence and relationship of various obverse and reverse dies for both 1797- and 1798-dated coinage is clearly delineated in Anthony Taraszka’s new reference discussed at Lot 1303.

Three die varieties of 1797 Heraldic Eagle coinage are known, all of approximately equal rarity. All three varieties share the same obverse die, this variety being struck first. The other two varieties of 1797 Heraldic Eagle $10 gold coins were both struck after the 1798-dated issues, therefore, this is the only true 1797 eagle. Since both 1798 varieties use a reverse die also used for the second 1797 issue, and all known 1798 coins are in an earlier die state, we can be certain of the emission order.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of the Beck Collection, January 1975, Lot 495.

Rare 1799 $10 Variety

Breen-2A, Taraszka-14

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1306     1799 Breen-6838, B-2A, T-14. Rarity-6. Small Reverse Stars. MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant orange-gold with frosty lustre and minor surface marks. Quite sharply struck with nearly complete reverse design definition. This is an extremely attractive example, one of the very finest known of this rare die combination. A very rare variety listed as Rarity-6 in the new reference on early eagles, written by Anthony Taraszka. In a survey of our public auction sales from 1972 to date, we found only six appearances of this die variety, one AU-55, another AU-50, the balance EF-40 or EF-45. An important opportunity for the variety specialist, this example is probably one of the very finest known.

Cracked from rim through left serifs of L to the cap. A faint reverse crack crosses the eagle’s tail.

Purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, October 18, 1966.

Important 1799 Eagle Rarity

Breen-2A, Taraszka-14

Duplicate Offering

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1307     1799 Breen-6838, B-2A, T-14. Rarity-6. Small Reverse Stars. AU-53 (PCGS). Brilliant greenish gold with considerable lustre remaining. The surfaces are surprisingly choice for the grade. A true example of quality. Sharply struck although not perfectly centered, the obverse border is wider and deeper at 12:00. A duplicate offering of this very rare variety.

The obverse has a heavy die crack from the border through the left side of L and into the cap. Two heavy die chips occur along this crack.

From Stack’s sale of November 1974, Lot 567.

Lovely Mint State 1799 $10

Unusual Date Layout

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1308     1799 Breen-6840, B-4E, T-19. Rarity-3. Irregular Date. MS-62 (PCGS). Attractive greenish yellow gold with frosty lustre and only a few minor abrasions. An important opportunity for the date or type collector.

This variety is one of the more available early eagles. Of 32 total varieties struck from 1795 to 1804, just four are rated more common than Rarity-4. One is dated 1795, this and another are 1799, and the fourth is 1801. It is our opinion that this is the third most plentiful variety in Mint State. Of course, as we have often stated, the word "plentiful" as it is applied to these early gold coins is relative, as a similar number of Mint State Morgan dollars, or Liberty double eagles, would be classified as a highly important rarity.

Early die state with tiny rim breaks over stars 1 and 2.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, April 13, 1972.

Mint State 1799 $10

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1309     1799 Breen-6840, B-4E, T-19. Rarity-3. Irregular Date. MS-61 (PCGS). Brilliant and satiny greenish gold lustre with a few marks here and there, taken care of, of course, by the numerical grade designation. A few other very minor surface marks are noted. A duplicate Mint State offering of this variety, representing another opportunity for the date or type collector. Certainly the specialist desiring an attractive Mint State example of this variety should also consider this lot very carefully. As a class, Mint State early eagles are very difficult to locate.

This is a late die state with rim breaks in the dentils over stars 1 and 2, and over stars 7 and 8. A short crack extends from the edge to star 8, another from edge to E and the forelock, and another through TY to stars 9 and 10. Cracked through most stars on left. The reverse has clash marks in the shield and a short crack from border to third feather on left.

Additional early eagles are scheduled to be offered in Part III of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. When making the division for these sales, we had two choices. We could offer all early coins of a given denomination in one or the other sales, or we could split these coins between both sales. Of course, there are pros and cons to either scenario. Our decision was to showcase nice coins from each of the denominations so that between the present Part II offering and our forthcoming Part III offering, collectors and specialists can recover or augment their bank accounts and bid again with enthusiasm for pieces within their chosen interest.

Purchased by Harry W. Bass, Jr., February 1, 1974. No further pedigree noted.

Desirable 1800 Eagle

Late Die State

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1310     1800 Breen-6842, B-1A, T-23. Rarity-4. AU-55 (PCGS). Brilliant greenish gold with nearly complete lustre. Very sharply struck with considerable aesthetic appeal. This is the only die variety of the date. The reverse die was reused in 1801 with this example, from a late die state, being struck after the 1801 issues. Although not as common as the 1799-dated issues just offered, this is a plentiful issue with a number of higher quality examples known. Of course, in an absolute sense all 1800-dated $10 pieces are rare. Indeed, in the past, this 1800-dated issue has been catalogued as a rare issue, perhaps because it is the only variety known for the year.

For this year the population is absolute, as there is only one die variety (see our PCGS notes under Lot 1303).

Star 7 on the obverse is sharply double punched.

Extensive obverse and reverse cracks. The obverse has a crack from the border left of L through the cap. Another crack from the border right of B branches left and right through the tops of LIBERTY and stars 9 and 10. Die crumbling on the obverse border at 3:00. Several light reverse cracks including a die crack from the border at 5:30 vertically right of the eagle’s tail. This crack occurs only in late die states after the 1801 Breen-1A variety was produced.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, September 29, 1972.

Choice Mint State 1801 Eagle

Attractive Prooflike Cameo

A Landmark Coin!


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1311     1801 Breen-6843, B-2B, T-25. Rarity-3. MS-64 (PCGS). A wonderfully attractive example in bright yellow gold with deeply reflective obverse and reverse, with vertical striae present.

Although this is the most available early eagle variety, and although additional Mint State specimens are known, very few can match the Bass Collection specimen either for technical quality or aesthetic appeal. A truly wonderful example that was certainly minted with special care.

Perfect obverse and reverse dies.

From Rarcoa, February 3, 1975.

Rare 1801 Die Marriage

Breen-1A, Taraszka-24

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1312     1801 Breen-6843, B-1A, T-24. Rarity-5. AU-58 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold lustre with a trace of attractive orange toning. Sharply struck. Minor surface marks are present on both sides. An important opportunity for the specialist.

The obverse has a curved crack through the right field and a branch upward through the hair, cap, and L. The reverse has minor cracks only, not as advanced as on the 1800 offered above.

Two varieties are known for the eagles of 1801. The Breen-2B marriage is the most common die variety of early gold eagles, regardless of date. This Breen-1A variety, however, is among the rarer combinations. In all of our public auctions since 1972, we have offered 105 eagles of this date. Among these, only six were from this die pair.

Purchased from Ed Janis, February 9, 1970.

Attractive 1803 Eagle

Breen-1B, Taraszka-29

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1313     1803 Breen-6844, B-1B, T-29. Rarity-4. Small Reverse Stars. AU-55 (PCGS). Very attractive light greenish gold lustre with sharp central design details, slightly weak along the borders. Slight adjustment marks are located along the reverse border opposite the weakest point on the obverse. Minor surface marks as expected, although none of these are distracting. Of course, any other AU-55 coin in existence would by definition have surface marks, so mentioning them may be a waste of space. Lightly reflective surfaces. Although listed by Anthony Taraszka as Rarity-4, it is our experience that this variety is rarer than other early eagles with the same rating.

Slight die cracks are faintly visible.

Purchased from Western Numismatics, Ltd., January 9, 1974.

Lustrous 1838 $10 Gold

First Liberty Head Issue

Condition Census

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1314     1838 AU-58 (PCGS). A wonderful example of the first Liberty Head eagle, the rare sub-type used only in 1838 and early in 1839.

The present specimen is highly lustrous with greenish gold surfaces and light orange toning, certainly one of the nicest we have ever offered and, for that matter, one of the finest in existence as the population figures show. Sharp striking of details adds to the desirability of what is a very important coin, one that Walter Breen described as "prohibitively rare above EF."

PCGS Population: 2; 3 finer (MS-63 finest).

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of October 1968, Lot 1631.

1839 Type I $10

"Head of 1838" Large Letters Reverse

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1315     1839 Large Letters Reverse. EF-45. Somewhat prooflike in protected areas. What a spectacular coin this must have been when first struck! Bright yellow gold. An outstanding example of this scarce year and type.

The obverse style is of the so-called "First Head" which for 1838 and early 1839 was differently positioned than on later issues, with the portrait of Miss Liberty tilted forward, and the front of the neck truncation above the 18 of the date, and the right side of the truncation above and slightly to the right of star 13. Apparently this configuration was considered to be clumsy or less than artistic, and after being used for a short time, it was changed in mid-1839.

The letters on the reverse, called Large in literature actually are fairly small and delicate. However, they are larger than those used on the second type.

Obverse with "script" style 8, with heavy crossbar from upper left to lower right, covering curve in the other direction, from upper right to lower left. Digit 3 low, and with top as a loop, without ball. 9 curiously repunched at the right, perhaps over another figure; upper right interior of letter is straight, not curved.

On the reverse a crack is seen from the border through OF to the eagle’s wing, to the field below M (AMERICA); another crack connects MERICA with the D of the denomination, while yet another crack is seen at the bottom, from the border through first U (UNITED) to the arrow tip to the branch end.

In his Encyclopedia, Walter Breen notes that this early design was continued through most of June 1839, and is "highly prized as an ephemeral type."

Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, April 23, 1973.

Lustrous 1839 $10 Gold

Second Head

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1316     1839 Small letters Reverse. AU-58 (PCGS). A lovely example in bright yellow gold. A few very minor marks are visible. Another issue that Breen described as "prohibitively rare AU." This example is very sharply struck except for obverse stars, and has traces of reflective prooflike surface blended with frosty lustre.

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer (MS-63 finest).

Light obverse die cracks through most stars from star 2 to 9.

From Paramount’s sale of September 1971, Lot 1555.

1317     1840 AU-50. Pleasing yellow gold surfaces. A very nice example of the date and grade.

The portrait on the obverse is different from the head of 1838 and also different from the modified head of 1839, the present style having the coronet tip more distant from star 6 than on the modified styles (July-December 1839). The differences are small but quite noticeable when pieces are laid side by side. Date logotype in small letters, probably entered from a four digit punch. Spacing wide.

From the Stack’s sale of the Bartle Collection, October 1984, Lot 1144.

1318     1840 EF-45. A very nice example of the date and grade.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA sale, July 1968, Lot 1004.

1319     Pair of Liberty eagles: I 1840 EF-40. A nice example of this early date I 1841 EF-45. Some reddish areas at coronet. (Total: 2 pieces)

1320     1841 AU-53. Somewhat prooflike on both sides, with the mirror surfaces being particularly evident in protected areas. Light yellow gold.

Date logotype small with numerals widely spaced.

Purchased from Stack’s, September 28, 1967.

1321     1841 AU-50. Another nice example of this issue, also somewhat prooflike in protected areas.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of February 1969, Lot 1386.

Pleasing 1841-O Eagle

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1322     1841-O AU-53 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold. A very pleasing specimen of the first New Orleans coinage of the denomination. "Extremely rare EF, a prohibitively rare AU, unknown Uncirculated," noted Walter Breen in his Encyclopedia. Douglas Winter in New Orleans Mint Gold Coins: 1839-1909, echoed the sentiment: "The 1841-O has the third lowest mintage of any eagle struck at the New Orleans Mint. Is one of the true rarities from this mint; especially in higher grades." The vast majority of 1841-O eagles grade Very Fine or lower. This date is very rare in Extremely Fine and of the highest rarity in About Uncirculated. No Mint State specimens are known to exist. At this juncture we can not resist noting that the Guide Book blithely prices coins at the MS-60 grade!

Of the mintage of 2,500 pieces, we estimate that perhaps 10% or 250 exist, a small number in relation to the present day popularity of $10 pieces in particular and gold coins in general.

PCGS Population: 2; 3 finer (AU-55 finest).

All 1841-O eagles were struck from a single pair of dies. The mintmark is fairly prominent and is close to but not touching the arrow feather.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of July 1967, Lot 340.

Another Elusive 1841-O $10

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1323     1841-O Net VF-35; sharpness of EF-45, slightly granular surfaces, possibly seawater surfaces–although its history is not known. Bright yellow gold with considerable lustre remaining. A highly attractive example of this low-mintage issue.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2229.

Important 1842 Small Date $10

Mint State

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1324     1842 Small Date. MS-62 (PCGS). A wonderful example of this rare variety. Sharply struck in bright yellow gold. Moderately reflective lustre in the fields is combined with frosty lustre on the devices, a lovely cameo. Very few minor abrasions and hairlines, with two minute rim nicks on the obverse at 1:00. The 1842 is scarce in any form, and it is worth noting that Breen commented that it is "prohibitively rare AU."

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Small date logotype, probably minted after the large date this year, but no die-sequence studies have been made (perhaps a progression could be made by studying common reverses). Date logotype well spaced.

On the reverse a prominent crack is seen at border at the left through the wing, extending across the bottom of the shield.

Purchased from Numismatic Enterprises (Steve Kosoff and Mike Kliman), November 1971, Lot 412.

1325     Pair of EF-45 Liberty eagles, both light yellow gold: I 1842 Small Date I1842 Large Date. (Total: 2 pieces)

Diverse Liberty Head Eagle Grouping

1326     Diverse offering of early Liberty Head eagles, all different dates and mints: I 1842 Small Date. EF-45, seawater surfaces I 1842-O VF-20, seawater surfaces and numerous rim bumps I 1843 Repunched Date. AU-50, seawater surfaces I 1843-O EF-40 I 1844-O EF-40 I 1845-O EF-40, seawater surfaces I 1847 AU-50, seawater surfaces I 1847-O AU-50, seawater surfaces I 1850 Large Date. EF-45 I 1851 EF-40 I 1851-O VF-20, strongly cleaned I 1852 EF-45 I 1853 EF-40 I 1853-O EF-40 I 1858-O VF-35, cleaned. Most with some problems, but an interesting lot offering some scarcer early dates and mints. (Total: 15 pieces)

Selection of Liberty Head Eagles

1327     Selection of early Liberty Head eagles: I 1842 Small Date. EF-40 I 1843 EF-40 I 1843-O EF-40, cleaned I 1847 AU-50, seawater etched I 1847-O AU-50, saltwater surfaces I 1850 EF-40 I 1852 EF-45 I 1853 EF-40 I 1853-O EF-40 I 1854 EF-40 I 1854-S EF-40 I 1855 EF-45 I 1855-O Net F-15, heavy reverse scratches I 1856 EF-45 I 1856-S VF-35. A great assortment of 15 different dates and mintmarks from the early range of the Liberty Head series. What a nice way to start a collection! (Total: 15 pieces)

Another Interesting $10 Group

1328     Offering of Liberty Head eagles: I 1842 Small Date. VF-35 I 1843-O VF-35 I 1847-O AU-50, saltwater surfaces I 1850 EF-40 I 1852 EF-45 I 1853 EF-40 I 1853-O VF-35 I 1854-S VF-35 I 1855 EF-45 I 1856-S VF-20 I 1861 EF-45 I 1874 AU-55 I 1877-S VF-20. An interesting and valuable group. (Total: 13 pieces)

Another Group of Liberty Head Eagles

1329     Selection of Liberty Head eagles offering a nice variety of dates and mints: I 1842 Small Date. VF-20, seawater surfaces I 1847 EF-40 I 1850 VF-20, cleaned I 1853 VF-35, light scratches I 1874 AU-50 I 1879 EF-45 I 1879-S EF-40, cleaned I 1880 AU-50 I 1880-S EF-45 I 1881-S AU-58 I 1882 AU-58 I 1882-S VF-30, cleaned I 1883 AU-58 I 1884 AU-58 I 1884-S AU-53 I 1885-S EF-45 I 1886 EF-45 I 1886-S MS-60 I 1887-S AU-58 I 1888 AU-50, lightly cleaned. Those without surface problems are generally brilliant with nice lustre. (Total: 20 pieces)

Large Variety of Liberty Head Eagles

1330     Varied selection of early Liberty Head eagles: I 1842 Large Date. EF-40 I 1843 EF-40 I 1843-O EF-40 I 1844-O EF-40, cleaned I 1844-O VF-25 I 1845-O VF-20 I 1847 AU-50, seawater surfaces I 1847-O AU-50, seawater surfaces I 1850 Large Date. EF-45 I 1851 EF-40 I 1852 EF-45 I 1853 EF-40 I 1853-O EF-40. A nice run of early dates and mints with no duplication. (Total: 13 pieces)

Selection of $10 Gold Pieces

1331     Large grouping of Liberty Head eagles of various dates and mints: I 1842 Large date. VF-35 I 1847 EF-45 I 1847-O EF-45, seawater surfaces I 1850 VF-30 I 1852 VF-35, light obverse scratches I 1855 Fine-15, planchet laminations. Surfaces lightly whizzed I 1874 AU-55 PL I 1878 AU-50 I 1878-S VF-30, lightly polished I 1879 AU-50 I 1879-S AU-50, lightly cleaned I 1880 AU-55 I 1880-S MS-60 I 1881-O VF-25 I 1881-S MS-60 I 1882 MS-60 I 1882-S EF-45 I 1883 AU-58 I 1883-CC VF-20. Some with problems, as noted, but still an interesting variety of dates and mints. (Total: 19 pieces)

Another Fascinating $10 Group

1332     Grouping of Liberty Head eagles: I 1842 Large Date. VF-35 I 1847 EF-45 I 1847-O AU-50 I 1850 EF-40 I 1852 EF-40 I 1853-O VF-20 I 1854-S Net VF-20, obverse has been processed to conceal marks and abrasions I 1855 EF-40 I 1856-S Net VF-20, polished I 1861 VF-45 I 1874 AU-55 I 1878 AU-50 I 1879 AU-55 I 1879-S AU-50 I 1880 AU-58 I 1880-S MS-60. A nice selection of date and mintmark issues, some being scarce. (Total: 16 pieces)

Another Worthwhile $10 Selection

1333     Selection of Liberty Head eagles: I 1842 Large Date. Net VF-25, heavy scratches at date I 1847 EF-45 I 1850 VF-20 I 1852 VF-20 I 1874 AU-50 I 1879 AU-50 I 1879-S EF-40 I 1880 AU-53 I 1880-S AU-55 I 1881-S AU-58 I 1882 AU-58 I 1882-S EF-45 I 1883 AU-55 I 1883-S EF-40 I 1884 AU-50 I 1884-S AU-55 I 1885 AU-58 I 1885-S MS-60 I 1886 AU-50. An interesting selection of 19 different dates and mints. By purchasing a group lot such as this the intending specialist can get a running start on a date and mintmark set, each of the nucleus coins having the incomparable Bass Collection pedigree. (Total: 19 pieces)

1334     1842-O Large Date. AU-53 (PCGS). Light yellow gold. A pleasing specimen of this elusive issue. Rarely seen in high grades. Breen comments: "prohibitively rare AU," and in this instance we do not presume to second guess his opinion.

PCGS Population: 6; 4 finer (MS-63 finest).

Date numerals large, as seemingly always for 1842-O. Logotype as on preceding, with last two digits low. On the reverse a minute crack is seen from the dentil to eagle’s wing at upper left.

Purchased from Stack’s, September 28, 1967.

1335     A pair of New Orleans eagles: I 1842-O Large Date. EF-45. Light yellow gold I 1843-O Large Date. EF-45. Light yellow surfaces. (Total: 2 pieces)

1336     Pair of eagles grading EF-45: I 1842-O Large Date I 1843-O Large Date. Both items display light yellow gold surfaces. (Total: 2 pieces)

1337     Pair of eagles: I 1842-O Large Date. EF-40 I 1843-O EF-45. Both pieces are light yellow gold. (Total: 2 pieces)

Reverse with O mintmark leaning to the left.

Purchased from Arizona Stamp and Coin Company, April 14, 1968.

1338     1843 EF-45. Pair of light yellow eagles grading EF-45: I 1843 I 1844-O. (Total: 2 pieces)

Date logotype very slightly low.

From Paramount, March 30, 1967 to Michael G. Brownlee to Harry Bass.

1339     1843-O AU-50. Light yellow gold. Lustre still remains in protected areas. Quite scarce in higher grades.

This is Breen’s "very thin numerals" die, No 6862. The date logotype is punched lightly into the working die.

On the reverse a delicate crack is seen from the upper left to the eagle’s wing tip.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 2074.

1340     1843-O AU-50. Bright yellow gold. Somewhat prooflike, particularly on the reverse.

Obverse date numerals fairly deep into the die. Reverse die and state as preceding.

From Stack’s sale of the Shapero sale, October 1971, Lot 1084.

1341     1843-O AU-50. Light yellow gold. Somewhat prooflike in protected areas.

Obverse with date logotype punched fairly lightly into the die. Reverse die as preceding, slightly advanced state, now with additional crack beginning at lower left of first A (AMERICA).

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 632.

Exceptional 1844 Eagle

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1342     1844 AU-53 (PCGS). An exceptional specimen grade-wise of an issue which is scarce enough in EF, very rare at any higher level. Pleasing yellow gold surfaces. Harry Bass, who was accustomed to seeing many fine things, noted "rare grade" in his commentary.

Only 4,600 pieces were struck, of which only few hundred exist today, the typical grade being EF.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (AU-55).

Date logotype bold. Prominent and very curious die scratches at the left border from star one through three.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 2065.

Another High-Grade 1844 $10

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1343     1844 AU-50 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold. Another high-grade specimen, full AU, of a date that Walter Breen calls "prohibitively rare EF." What a fortunate situation to have two notable pieces in the same sale!

PCGS Population: 4; 2 finer (AU-55 finest).

Obverse die as preceding.

From Parke-Bernet Galleries’ sale of May 1969, Lot 134.

"Prohibitively Rare" 1844 $10

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1344     1844 EF-40. Breen’s "prohibitively rare" grade. Light yellow gold, lightly cleaned some time ago.

Obverse die as preceding.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 28, 1967.

High-Quality 1844-O Eagle

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1345     1844-O AU-55. Sharply struck although a few stars are weak. Bright and attractive yellow gold with considerable lustre and a few very minor marks. Faint brush marks are noted in the obverse field. The highest technical grade that Harry Bass was able to locate.

No source listed.

Another High-Grade 1844-O $10

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1346     1844-O AU-53. Pleasing light yellow gold surfaces. Much mint lustre still remains. A high-quality example of this relatively plentiful New Orleans variety. A condition rarity.

Date logotype bold and slightly high. Reverse with mintmark tilted left.

Purchased from Roth, date not stated.

1347     Pair of 1844-O eagles grading EF-45: Both are lustrous yellow gold. (Total: 2 pieces)

1348     1845 EF-40. An attractive example of the date.

Date logotype very deeply impressed in the die, particularly at the left. Logotype somewhat crudely made and low, with 84 very close (touching on the present), and 45 distant.

Purchased from George Gozan apparently through Aaron Feldman, February 28, 1967.

1349     1845 EF-40. Another nice specimen of this date.

Dies similar or identical to preceding.

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, September 14, 1972.

1350     1845-O Breen-6868. Normal Date. EF-45. Light yellow gold surfaces with much lustre still remaining.

Perfect date, fairly well centered.

Purchased from Arizona Stamp and Coin, March 1969.

1351     1845-O Breen-6869. Repunched 84. EF-45. Light yellow gold.

Breen 6869, "Repunched 84." Obvious traces of repunching at the lower left side of the 8 and 4.

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, September 25, 1973.

1352     1845-O Breen-6869. Repunched 84. EF-40. Attractive light yellow gold surfaces.

Obverse die as preceding.

Purchased from Bob Roth, no date stated.

1353     1845-O Breen-6869. Repunched 84. EF-40. Another attractive example of this interesting variety.

Obverse die as preceding.

From Parke-Bernet Galleries’ sale of May 1968, Lot 135.

Lovely AU 1845-O $10

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1354     1845-O Breen-6871. So-called Overdate. AU-50. A lovely example with reflective prooflike fields and lustrous devices. The finest example Harry Bass was able to locate in many years of searching.

Breen’s 1845/44-O, "Extremely rare. Date 1844 first cut well to the left of the final position of 1845. Upright of 4 within lower part of 5." Our description would be "1845 Repunched Date" as we are unable to identify the final lightly repunched digit as being a 4, although perhaps an earlier die state exists that shows this feature clearly. On this specimen, distinct remnants of the first 4 can be seen to the left of the dominant numeral, while a vertical patch of roughness, perhaps the upright of a 4, can be seen within the loop of the 5 in the date. The repunching is fairly dramatic, and the coin is interesting to view under magnification. Date logotype deep into the die and slightly high. Significantly, the Guide Book does not list this "overdate."

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, April 1970, Lot 1041.

1355     1845-O Breen-6871. So-called Overdate. EF-40. Light yellow gold.

Same comments as noted in the previous lot, except here a faint die crack connects the bottoms of the 4 and 5 in the date.

Purchased from Stack’s, December 16, 1971.

1356     1845-O Breen-6871. So-called Overdate. VF-35. A final example of this variety.

Same comments as noted in the previous lot. No die crack at bases of 4 and 5.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, August 4, 1967.

High-Grade Business Strike 1846 $10

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1357     1846 AU-50 (PCGS). Deep greenish yellow gold with considerable lustre. A number of small contact marks are typical of gold coins at this grade level. Just 20,095 were struck, a very rare issue in higher circulated grades, in fact, rare in almost any grade.

PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (AU-55 finest).

1358     1846 EF-40. Bright yellow gold. Some prooflike surface in protected areas.

Date logotype small and somewhat irregular, as normal for the issue; highly positioned, twice as close to the neck truncation in relationship to the dentils.

Purchased from Lester Merkin, ex Gozan Collection, June 23, 1967.

1359     1846 EF-40. Bright yellow gold. Some scattered marks in the field are typical of the grade.

Date logotype position as foregoing.

From Parke-Bernet Galleries’ sale of the McGraw Collection, Lot 136.

Splendid "1846/5-O" $10

Traditional Overdate

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1360     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-Called Overdate. AU-55 (PCGS). The traditional overdate, but believed by us (see detailed discussion below) to be an 1846-O from a curious logotype punch, not an overdate. Attractive bright gold surfaces. Nicely struck. An outstanding example of this issue.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Obverse with logotype very high, about three times closer to the truncation than to the dentils. Reverse with sharply double punched O mintmark.

For many years this variety has been called the "1846/5-O overdate" by numerous numismatists, including grading and authentication services. However, recent research by Mark Borckardt and Dave Bowers, given in our Rare Coin Review, No. 130 indicates that this is from a curious logotype punch, not an overdate. The study, excerpted below, reveals that the four-digit logotype used to produce this coin and also certain half dollars was in itself slightly doubled, a concept, which so far as we know, has not been introduced into numismatic literature. We expect that further study will reveal that there are other varieties in American coinage in which the four-digits themselves show repunching or other curious features. To verify these, the use of the identical logotype will need to be found on different dies (those of different denominations, in the present case, are obvious, but within the same denomination different dies can be determined by the general position of the logotype). Credit goes to the Harry W. Bass, Jr., Research Foundation for initiating this study, which began in 1998 and which came to the fore when numismatist J.N., mentioned below, prompted us to study the half dollar die as well.

The "1846/5-O" $10

Excerpt from "Observations on 1846-O ‘Overdate’ Coinage," by Mark Borckardt, with QDB, from the Rare Coin Review:

Reader J.N. of Virginia sent two coins of two different denominations for our examination, both dated 1846-O. One of these is a 50¢ piece with Medium Date, the digit 6 of which shows some type of doubling. The other, an 1846-O $10 eagle, also shows artifacts or stray punch marks within the digit 6. He inquired about the status of these coins as overdates, 1846/5-O.

Upon close examination side-by-side, the pieces piqued our interest, and we set about seeing what we could learn from published literature as well as the coins themselves.

Walter Breen, in his Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins reported the following varieties for both denominations:

1846-O 50¢: Several different date styles were listed under such headings as Small Normal Dates, with and without Drapery; Small Double-Punched Date, with and without Drapery; and Overdate, with and without Drapery. Also listed is the Tall Date variety.

1846-O $10: Varieties listed by Breen included Normal Date, Double-Punched 6, Overdate, and a variety with Small Thin Stars, from a weakly hubbed or heavily lapped obverse.

Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars reported six varieties of the 1846-O 50¢ and included excellent close-up photographs of the date for each.

The 1846-O half dollar variety described as WB-102 has slight repunching on the ball of the digit 6 at the upper right of this numeral, along with a die crack at the base. This was identified as an overdate by M.L. Beistle in 1929 in his pioneering work, A Register of Half Dollar Die Varieties and Sub-Varieties. Certain other varieties of the 1846-O 50¢ have various repunching of the digits and have sometimes been identified as overdates.

The 1846-O half dollar submitted to us by J.N. is of the WB-105 variety, with the query as to whether it is an overdate. It displays repunching visible inside the lower loop of the digit 6 as illustrated. It is our opinion, in agreement with authors Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, that this is not an overdate. Further, in disagreement with the Beistle and Breen texts, we do not believe any 1846-O half dollar variety truly qualifies as a 6 over 5 overdate (the Wiley-Bugert text lists WB-102 as an overdate).

Now comes the exciting part: The 1846-O $10 sent by J.N. provided an interesting study as did several similar specimens examined in connection with our offering of gold coins from the Harry W. Bass, Jr., Collection. The artifact within the loop of the digit 6 on the $10 coin exactly matches the photo of another variety (other than the variety that J.N. sent) of the 1846-O 50¢, namely WB-104 illustrated in the Wiley-Bugert reference! The date punches are the same size thus leading us to conclude that this is a damaged numeral punch used for both denominations.

In summary, the same date logotype punch was used to prepare the die for the 1846-O 50¢ known today as WB-104 and the $10 gold die sometimes called "1846/5-O." Neither the $10 nor the 50¢ of 1846-O is an overdate.

The logotype punch itself has evidences of repunching, a highly unusual situation. It must have been the case that–follow closely here–the logotype punch was made as follows:

The numerals 1, 8, 4, and 6 were punched individually into a soft steel block or matrix using four hardened steel punches. During this process, double punching was done on the 6, thus creating the "artifact" mentioned.

The matrix was tempered or hardened, after which it could be used to make four-digit logotype punches.

Individual logotype punches–one or more–were multiplied by pressing a soft steel logotype punch into the matrix, then hardening each one for use in die making. What these two coins of two denominations reveal is that a logotype punch can in itself have double-punched features. It is conventional wisdom that most date doubling is caused by impressing a perfect logotype punch into a die twice. In the present case, one impression of the curiously doubled punch did the trick.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2234.

Another "1846/5-O"

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1361     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-called Overdate. AU-53 (PCGS). Another specimen of this variety, believed by us to be a repunched date, but traditionally called an overdate in the literature, and widely collected as such. Scarce so fine.

PCGS Population: 3; 3 finer (AU-55 finest).

Purchased from N.K.S., April 5, 1971.

1362     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-called Overdate. EF-45. Another specimen from the same dies.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 12, 1970.

1363     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-called Overdate. EF-45. A further specimen of this variety.

From Paramount’s sale of November 1971, Lot 1537.

1364     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-called Overdate. EF-40. Yet another example of this variety. Obviously, Harry Bass found this variety to be quite intriguing and set about acquiring quite a few examples!

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of July 1967, Lot 351.

1365     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-called Overdate. EF-40. Bright yellow gold. Yet another example of this earlier-discussed variety.

Reverse with prominent crack from border to TE (TEN), mintmark, branch and in arrows, I (AMERICA) and back to border.

Purchased from N.K.S., October 26, 1972.

1366     1846/5-O Breen-6875. So-called Overdate. VF-20. Light yellow gold. Some marks on rims.

Reverse with crack as preceding. Additional crack links top of TE (STATES).

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, April 7, 1969.

Memorable Mint State 1847 $10

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1367     1847 MS-62 (PCGS). Deeply struck and very lustrous. An outstanding specimen from a visual viewpoint, one of the nicest we have ever seen. Some light obverse scratches near stars 1-4 must be mentioned, and no doubt prevented this coin from getting a higher grade designation such as MS-64. A prize coin with a prize pedigree.

PCGS Population: 4; 3 finer (MS-63 finest).

Date logotype deeply impressed into die, and at least twice as close to the dentils as to the neck truncation. Die field contour is rather unusual and is sharply basined toward the borders, in the approximate area from the stars to the dentils. Some horizontal die lines are seen extending from below the truncation above 47.

On the reverse there are some prominent raised die lines at the upper right through the eagle’s wing and AME.

From Stack’s Garrett sale, March 1976, Lot 382.

Another Memorable Mint State 1847 $10

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1368     1847 MS-62 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold, somewhat prooflike. An attractive specimen, a very nice example of the grade level. Rare so fine.

Date logotype deeply impressed into the die at the first and last numeral, indicating it was "rocked" while being impressed. Numeral 1 quite well centered, date logotype farther left than usual. Surface of dies basined toward the borders, similar to the preceding.

Reverse with diagonal finish lines from upper left to lower right at about a 45° angle, indicating an early strike from the die.

From Rarcoa’s sale of the Rockford Collection, 1978, Lot 792.

1369     1847 AU-58. Bright yellow gold. Much mint lustre still remains. An attractive example of the grade.

Date logotype higher than the preceding, closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils. Fairly lightly impressed into the die.

Reverse with delicate crack through ST (STATES) and another through TES. Crack from border to dot past D, upward to branch end.

Purchased from N.K.S. through Rowe & Brownlee, June 15, 1967.

1370     1847 AU-55. Brilliant with some prooflike effect noted in the protected recesses.

Logotype bold and slightly low. Obviously, there were many different dies used for this high production year, and no complete catalogue will ever be made of them. The date positions vary considerably as described.

Purchased from N.K.S. through Rowe & Brownlee, June 15, 1967.

1371     1847 AU-53. Bright yellow gold. Somewhat prooflike.

Date logotype well centered. First and last digit deep into the die, center digits slightly light.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 629.

1372     1847 AU-50. Light yellow gold. Somewhat prooflike. A very pleasing specimen of the date and grade, a very nice coin despite some very delicate, scarcely noticeable brushing. We have seen coins grading five to eight points higher that did not have as much appeal.

Date logotype slightly high. First two digits somewhat light in the die, last two deep, especially the final digit.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 639.

1373     1847 AU-50. Light yellow gold. Somewhat prooflike in protected areas.

Date logotype slightly low, and bold in the die.

Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, April 23,1973.

1374     Trio of rare variety Liberty eagles: I 1847 Extra Heavy 7. EF-45 I 1849 Doubled Date. EF-40 I 1881 Doubled Die Reverse. AU-50. A rare and valuable trio. (Total: 3 pieces)

Grouping of Liberty Head Eagles

1375     Group of Liberty Head eagles from the 1840s through the early 1890s: I 1847 EF-40 I 1850 Net VF-20, both obverse and reverse have been heavily abraded to conceal defects I 1861 EF-45 I 1874 EF-45 I 1879 EF-45 I 1879-S VF-30 I 1880 EF-40 I 1880-S EF-45 I 1881-S AU-55 I 1882 AU-55 I 1883 AU-50 I 1884-S AU-50 I 1886-S MS-60 I 1887-S AU-55 I 1888-O AU-55 I 1888-S AU-58 I 1889-S MS-62 I 1891 MS-60. A wide range of 18 different dates and mints. (Total: 18 pieces)

"Seawater" 1847-O $10

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1376     1847-O MS-60. Light yellow surfaces with granularity, the type typically called "seawater Uncirculated," from finely etched surfaces on the obverse and reverse. Quite sharp, and with little if any actual wear.

A very curious specimen with several prominent raised pellets to the left along the border, between the first digit of the date and the area just past star 1–artifacts for which we have not seen the counterpart elsewhere. The date is boldly impressed into the die and is nearly twice as close to the dentils as to the border.

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 4,1967.

"Seawater AU" 1847 $10

1377     1847-O AU-58. Light yellow surfaces, finely etched, somewhat similar to the preceding, but probably an AU coin to begin with. From some long lost, not recorded treasure ship recovery, no doubt.

Breen-6881, first two digits are doubled, the first noticeably so. Date logotype low, about twice as close to a dentil as to the neck truncation. Medium depth into the die, somewhat lighter at the left than at the right.

The reverse is oriented in the same direction as the obverse, or 180° from the usual position. Several cracks are seen including from a dentil to the wing at upper left and a similar crack at upper right; a crack through TES OF; another from the border through I (AMERICA) to the arrows; another from the border through N (TEN) through the mintmark to the eagle’s claw.

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 4,1967.

1378     1847-O AU-50. Bright yellow gold. Lustrous and attractive. An especially appealing coin from a visual viewpoint.

Date logotype very deep into the die and quite low, about three times closer to a dentil than to the truncation above. Placed farther to the left than normal. Crack from border to first two date digits. Another crack is seen at star 1, yet another at star 3, and a further crack at star 6, followed by additional cracks at stars 10 and 12. It seems that the periphery of this die was considerably weakened.

On the reverse irregular cracks link virtually all of the inscriptions around the border.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 408.

1379     1847-O AU-50. Light gold with some lustre remaining in the protected areas.

Date logotype more deeply impressed into the dies at the top and bottom, lighter across the center line, indicating the logotype was rocked on a vertical axis, up and down, when it was entered. A particularly curious item among the many date positions of this year. The logotype is low, closer to the dentils than to the neck, and is fairly far left.

On the reverse a delicate crack is seen from the leaf down to TEN D. Another crack extends from the rightmost claw talon though the final A (AMERICA). Another crack, very delicate, is seen at the upper left connecting a dentil to the wing tip. Still another crack connects the bases of TATES, intermittently continuing to OF.

From New Netherland’s sale of June 1970, Lot 485.

1380     1847-O AU-50. Light yellow gold surfaces. Partially prooflike.

Breen-6881, first two digits are doubled, the first noticeably so. Characteristics as earlier described. No cracks.

Purchased from N.K.S., December 18, 1970.

A Group of Early Eagles

1381     Offering of Liberty Head eagles of the 1840s: I 1847-O (3). EF-45, EF-40 (2) I 1848 (2). EF-45, EF-40 I 1848-O VF-20 I 1849 (3). EF-45, VF-35, VF-30 I 1849 Doubled 1 in date. EF-45. Reverse edge nicks. An interesting group. (Total: 10 pieces)

Another Early Eagle Group

1382     Selection of Liberty Head eagles of the 1840s: I 1847-O (3). EF-45, EF-40 (2) I 1848 (2). EF-45, EF-40 I 1848-O F-15 I 1849 (2). EF-40, VF-35 I 1849 Doubled 1 in date. EF-40. A nice group. (Total: 9 pieces)

1383     1848 AU-50. Medium gold with some lustre remaining. A fairly scarce date in AU of finer.