1799 Eagle $10 Large Stars Obverse PCGS MS62. 1799 $10 Large Obverse Stars (BD-10, R-3). One of only two varieties of the 1799 Eagle with large obverse stars. Without doubt, any 17xx dated coin which has survived in uncirculated condition is rare, especially when one of the higher denominations. Very few people, if any, could afford to safe $10 because they liked the coin, and as such most surviving pieces of this denomination show signs of wear. Those that do survive in any grade, did so because of a matter of slim chance, as the majority of pieces struck was exported and/or melted for their gold content. For type set collectors, some of these early American gold coins represent the most difficult types to acquire, especially in uncirculated condition.

The total mintage for all varieties of the 1799 eagle is usually given at 37,449 pieces, with an estimated 12,500 to 17,500 of the present variety. This is an unusual high number for an early American gold coin, as few die pairings lasted that long. Bass-Dannreuther, in their reference on early American gold coin varieties, estimates a total surviving number of 300 to 400 coins of the present variety. This already small number most likely represents a relatively large number of circulated and impaired coins, combined with a few uncirculated specimens, such as the present offering.

Few people collect early American gold coins by (major) variety, but those who do realize that the large obverse star variety is only slightly scarcer than the other, small obverse star variety for this year. This is relatively surprising, as eight die pairings struck the small obverse star variety, and only two, later in the year, are seen with large obverse stars. This indicates that the Mint, when time progressed, learned to take better care of the expensive dies, and dies generally lasted longer. Obviously, compared to modern times die life was still short, but at least not every die broke after a few hundred or thousand strikings. With limited money available, this was important and no doubt, the directors of the Mint were pleased with this.

The eye-appeal of the present coin surpasses many of this type, despite only being certified, by PCGS, as MS-62. Sharply impressed on both sides, all of the important design details are sharp, and no weakness is noted on either side. Luster, slightly subdued, is visible on both sides and while not as vibrant as later gold coinage, remains to be pleasing in hand. Some scattered marks are noted on both sides but are not distracting at all. Somewhat darker golden coloration is visible, often seen on gold coins of this age, and usually considered to be natural. For type set collectors, an 18th century dated gold coin will no doubt be considered to be impressive, this coin has every right do so. A great representative of this scarce and important type.