1803 $10 Small Reverse Stars MS(PCGS#8565)

1803 $10 Small Reverse Stars MS (PCGS#8565)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Lot Description: A generally bold example with the sharpest detail noted throughout much of Liberty's hair, along the right obverse border, and throughout the eagle's wing feathers. The stars along the left obverse border are largely flat, and numerous crisscrossing adjustment marks (as made) in and above the central reverse have interfered with the strike in those areas. Semi-prooflike in finish, both sides are enhanced by vivid color in a blend of orange and greenish-gold. The surfaces display only wispy handling marks and a trace of light rub to explain the Choice AU grade from PCGS. BD Die State c-d/b.<p>While not in the same rarity league as BD-2 and BD-6, BD-4 is a very scarce die marriage that is among the more challenging to acquire for the 1803 eagle. It is rarer than BD-1, and far rarer than BD-3 and BD-5. John W. Dannreuther (2006) estimates that only 25 to 30 examples of the 1803 BD-4 eagle are extant in all grades. This is one of only two die varieties in the early eagle series that is not represented in the Harry Bass Core Collection, although Bass did own an example of BD-4 that was sold in error as lot 1313 in our (Bowers and Merena's) Bass II Sale. The scarcity of this variety results from the early demise of the reverse die due to clashing and cracks. A desirable near-Mint early eagle irrespective of date or die pairing, this coin would be perfect for a high quality type or variety set.