1796 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. AU-58 (NGC).Both sides of this lovely 1796 eagle exhibit vivid orange-gold patina on surfaces that retain ample satin to semi-prooflike finish. The strike is expertly centered within uniformly denticulated borders, and the devices are universally bold with only light high point wear. The fledgling United States Mint struck just 4,146 ten-dollar gold eagles in 1796, the second year of production for this denomination. Given the availability of the first year, 1795, it is likely that many of the coins delivered in 1796 were struck from 1795-dated dies. Indeed, John W. Dannreuther (<em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834</em>) provides an estimated mintage for 1796-dated coinage of 3,500 to 4,146 pieces. The author accounts for just 125 to 175 survivors, confirming this issue as scarcer than the 1795. The present example, with solid Choice AU quality and a pleasant appearance, would fit comfortably into any high grade cabinet.
