LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3259

1804 $10 Crosslet 4 AU55 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:40,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1804 $10 Crosslet 4 AU55 PCGS
<B>1804 $10 Crosslet 4 AU55 PCGS.</B></I> Breen-6847, Taraszka-31, BD-1, High R.4. The circulation-strike 1804 Crosslet 4, BD-1, is the only collectible variety for this final year of early eagle coinage. Its sibling, the 1804 Plain 4, BD-2--of which three pieces are known of the four believed made--was actually struck in 1834 or 1835 as presentation strikings or proofs. The 1804 Plain 4 eagle is included with the King of American Coins--the 1804 silver dollar--and various 1834-dated coins in the lauded King of Siam proof set. However, it is struck with a reverse that uses either a leftover die from 1803-04 or the original punches for same, featuring broken left serifs on the right foot of the A's and a broken foot on the F. <BR> The 1804 Crosslet 4 is thus the last-dated regular-issue eagle in the Capped Bust to Right series, but <I>not </B></I>the last business strike produced, as the R.7 (six-10 pieces known) 1803 BD-6 was struck using the same reverse die, <I>after</B></I> the 1804 Crosslet 4 coinage. According to Dannreuther and Bass, it is likely that a small percentage of 1803-dated coins were included in the reported mintage of 3,757 eagles for the year 1804. On the reverse a leaf tip is between R and I in AMERICA, and all three A's are missing their inner right feet, although a tiny tine of metal does project from A1. <BR> On the obverse of this Choice AU BD-1, the 1 and 4 in the date nearly graze the bottom curl and drapery, respectively. The devices show especially sharp definition on each side. The surfaces show rich color with a strong reddish tint underlying the yellow-gold. Traces of an original prooflike surface can still be seen around the stars on the obverse, and each side is exceptionally clean and problem-free with no mentionable marks present. <BR> Dannreuther and Bass point out that while the 1804 Crosslet 4 is popular as a date and still quite scarce, its rarity has been exaggerated in the past. Many 1804 eagles are damaged, cleaned, or have other problems, perhaps an indication that this date has long been recognized as rare and that damaged pieces that might otherwise have been melted were nonetheless saved. Certainly astute numismatists will recognize the desirability and allure of this problem-free Choice AU piece and seize the fleeting opportunity that it represents.<BR><I>From The Leo Beranek Collection of Early Federal Coinage.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Robert Scot<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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