1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-1, Taraszka-7. Rarity-5. AU-53 (PCGS). This is an overall boldly defined early eagle, the denticulation full around both sides, all devices crisp, and the more protected areas of Libertys portrait and the eagle retaining razor sharp detail. Trivial rub to the high points is commensurate with the assigned grade, in which areas we also note characteristic - and trivial - softness of strike. Both sides are predominantly lustrous with ample mint frost. The appearance is pleasing with a blend of deep gold and rose-orange colors. Faint hairlines are noted for accuracy, but even trivial features for identification purposes are difficult to come by, although we do note a few minor nicks in the left obverse field as well as in the reverse field below the eagles left wing. A faint planchet drift mark on the reverse that bisects the second letter T in STATES is as made. BD Die State b/b.<p>The 1797 is the scarcest date in the brief Capped Bust Right, Small Eagle ten-dollar gold series of 1795 to 1797. John W. Dannreuther (2006) believes that only 55 to 65 coins are extant, and <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> takes a similar stance with an estimate of 50 to 60 survivors. Most are of BD Die State b/b, as here, although the Harry Bass Core Collection specimen is a notable exception without the prominent obverse die break at 4:30 (Die State a/b). At least one example of the 1796-dated issue is known to have been struck after all known 1797 Small Eagle coins due to the presence of a reverse die crack from the border through the right side of the letter O in OF to the wreath. Whether a remarriage for the 1797 Small Eagle is also known is pending discovery of an example of this date with that reverse die crack. Your cataloger (JLA) thinks this is unlikely since the prominent obverse die break seen on most 1797 Small Eagle coins undoubtedly resulted in the dies failure, withdrawal from production, and (brief) replacement by the 1796-dated obverse die. A highlight of the present sale, this scarce early eagle is sure to find its way into another highly regarded numismatic cabinet. PCGS# 8555. NGC ID: BFYN. From the George Schwenk Collection. Earlier ex Alan Kreuzer, 2003; Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr.; our sale of the Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection, Winter 2022 Auction, November, lot 4007.
