This outstanding example offers stronger visual appeal than many AU early eagles that we have handled over the years. Both sides are wonderfully original with vivid reddish-rose iridescence dominating the overall appearance. Warmer deep orange undertones enhance the already memorable eye appeal. Uniformly and boldly defined from an expertly centered and nicely executed strike, this lovely coin is sure to attract particularly strong bids.This is the final date for which the Small Eagle reverse type was used on Capped Bust Right eagles. As stated above in our description for the 1796, the 1797 Small Eagle shares its reverse die with that issue, examples struck in between early and late die state coins of the former date. Appreciably rarer than the 1796 in all grades, the 1797 Small Eagle has an extant population of just 55 to 65 coins (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006, whose estimate for the 1796 is 125 to 175 survivors). BD Die State b/b represented here is the one typically encountered, with a prominent obverse crack from the border after star 16 that extends nearly to Libertys throat. A lighter branch crack terminates at the end of Libertys bust. On the reverse, faint clash marks are evident within the wreath below the letters TES in STATES.Easily among the most attractive 1797 Small Eagle tens that we have ever offered irrespective of numeric grade, this piece comes highly recommended for better date type purposes or inclusion in a specialized early eagle collection. It is a coin that will please even the most discerning gold enthusiast.,,PCGS# 8555.,,From the Edgar B. Lupfer Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) sale of the F. Sherwood Boyd Collection of United States Gold Coins, May 1985, lot 1513. Lot tag included.
