1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Heraldic Eagle. BD-4, Taraszka-12. Rarity-4+. AU-50 (PCGS). CAC. This pleasingly original, appreciably lustrous AU example would do equally well in an advanced type set or early gold cabinet. Tinges of pretty pinkish-rose iridescence mingle with dominant honey-olive patina. Remnants of the original finish are quite pronounced with the aid of direct lighting. The obverse periphery is a tad soft (due to die state), reverse border significantly bolder, and the focal features in and around the centers are suitably sharp for the assigned grade. BD Die State d/b.<p>The mintage for the 1797 Heraldic Eagle $10 provided in most numismatic references is 10,940 coins, based on Walter Breens assumption that production from the new Heraldic Eagle reverse dies began on June 7, 1797 with coins bearing that date continuing to be delivered through January 30, 1798. According to Mint records, 10,940 eagles were delivered during that period. Based on a more exhaustive study of die states and emission sequences, as well as modern estimates on the number of coins extant, John W. Dannreuther (2006) provides a broader range of 8,750 to 12,500 coins struck for the 1797 Heraldic Eagle. The author estimates that 3,500 to 5,000 examples were coined from the 1797 BD-4 dies, of which only 90 to 110 coins are extant in all grades.<p>
