1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Heraldic Eagle. BD-4, Taraszka-12. Rarity-4+. AU Details--Filed Rims (PCGS). The pale lemon-yellow patina is accented by hints of peach color across the highest points. Likely mounted in jewelry at some point, the rim is filed smooth from 9 to 11 oclock relative to the obverse. An area of crimson color at Libertys cap indicates a possible repair, as well. The reverse is very well preserved, showcasing lustrous surfaces that appear Uncirculated at a quick glance. A very satisfying example of this transitional issue. The three known die marriages of the 1797 Heraldic Eagle $10 share the same obverse die but, fortunately, the style of eagle on the reverse is so different that the varieties are easily distinguished even at arms length. BD-4 exhibits a long thick neck to the eagle that is transitional between the tall and short neck reverse styles of the type, as well as being unique to this die pairing. As such, this is an important subvariant of the Heraldic Eagle reverse that deserves greater recognition among early gold specialists. Similar in overall rarity to the 1797 BD-2 variety, BD-4 has 90 to 110 coins believed extant, and any opportunity to acquire any example in todays market is notable. From the Naples Bay Collection. From the Naples Bay Collection.
