1804 Eagle - 1804 $10 NGC MS63. T-31, BD-1, R-4+. Heres one of the key dates to the early 1804 Eagle series and a monumental rarity, 13 Star Reverse. With the NGC census showing only 5 examples and one finer, and the fact this is the last $10 Eagle that the mint struck until 1838, it should come as no surprise that that this date has always been considered one of the pre-eminent 19th century gold coins to own, of any denomination. The specimen here is superbly struck with choice original surfaces. It could be years before a similar specimen presents itself. Lovely color.

1804 $10 (BD-1, R-4+) NGC MS-63. The final year of the early gold eagles, and the last year this denomination was struck until 1838. Rare in all grades, and increasingly popular, this specimen that we offer here is among the finest known. All known examples were struck from a single die pair, which is differentiated from the extremely rare Proof restrikes by the Crosslet 4 digit in the date.

The mintage of this issue has been estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,757 pieces, with the latter number usually quoted as correct. However, quoted mintages of early American gold coins are usually based on suggestions from different numismatic researchers, and the number of survivors is much more important. For this particular issue, Bass-Dannreuther mentions the following in their U.S. Gold Coin Encyclopedia:

The 1804s rarity has been exaggerated by some numismatists and researchers, as today it is believed between 80 and 100 examples still survive. This still is a scarce issue and the 1804 date makes it extremely popular. It is the only 1804-dated eagle that is available to collect.

Other researchers (including Walter Breen) have suggested that the number of specimens that remain to exist would not be higher than 60 at most. It is interesting to see that this is considered to be just a scarce issue, as coins with populations such as this coin would be considered prime rarities in other series. However, due to the high cost of completing this series, not many collectors opt to do so. For the true connoisseur of early American gold coinage here lies an opportunity, as many pieces are obtained fairly easily at a cost. This, however, is not the case with all coins, and offerings such as the present should not be considered to be seen with any frequency.

The quality of the particular piece we presently offer is far superior to the majority of other coins offered of this issue. Semi-prooflike fields are visible on both sides as well. Faint adjustment marks (Mint-made) are seen on the reverse, but are not overly distracting from the overall eye-appeal. Both sides are completely original, and feature various shades of yellow mingled with orange and red tones. It appears that this piece is an early die-state of the obverse, which was obviously not used on any other issues. The strike is generally sharp, and appears to be much better than usually seen. Very seldom offered and near the top of the condition census makes this a very important offering which is not rivaled easily.