1801 $10 MS(PCGS#8564)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2237

Grade

XF45

Price

19,520

Lot Description

BD Die State b/b. Iridescent toning in reddish-apricot and pinkish-rose enliven a base of warm honey-gold color. This visually appealing piece also retains sharp strike detail to most design elements, the high points of Liberty's portrait carrying much of the wear that supports the Choice EF grade from PCGS. Wispy hairlines are noted for accuracy, and there is also some glossiness to the texture from an old cleaning, but few sizeable handling marks are seen. Traces of frosty luster remain to further confirm this as a desirable About Uncirculated example of this popular early eagle design type.<p>With 600 to 800 coins believed extant, 1801 BD-2 is a very available die marriage in the Capped Bust Right eagle series, and is immensely popular for advanced gold type purposes. Variety enthusiasts should take note that this is the earliest die pairing in the series with large, thin stars on the obverse. The large, thick star device punch introduced with the obverse die of the 1799 BD-9 variety obviously broke before preparation of this die, which was completed using a large, thin star replacement punch.<p>The obverse and reverse dies of this variety proved unusually hardy by the standards of the early eagle series, both striking 30,000 to 40,000 coins in this pairing and the reverse going on to produce an additional 7,500 to 10,000 coins in the 1803 BD-3 marriage. Since neither die seem to have suffered any extensive damage, the reasons for their eventual withdrawal from production remain a mystery.