Designed by Robert Scot, the mintage of 1795-dated eagles was somewhere in the order of 5,583 pieces. Among design types of gold coins, the 1795-1797 eagle is far and away the rarest, the undisputed key to the series. Later eagles with the Heraldic Eagle reverse far outdistance the present type in terms of availability, confirming the rarity and desirability of this exquisite Choice Mint State 1795 example.
Anthony Taraszka lists this piece third on his Condition Census behind only the Eliasberg coin and a specimen that we (Stack’s) sold in 1993. This example is finer than that in the Harry W. Bass, Jr. core collection (off the market). Akers rightly called this coin, "without question, one of the very finest 1795 eagles in existence, a classic American numismatic rarity of exceptional quality and beauty." In a time when coins of this caliber were sold without certification, it is worth noting that Akers called this coin Choice Uncirculated 63 or better, his professional opinion squaring nicely with the grade subsequently assigned by PCGS.
This rarity from the first year issue of ten-dollar gold eagle coinage is brilliant and deeply lustrous. It is attractive and well struck on a high quality planchet. The fields offer some prooflike reflectivity that nicely complements the sharp, satiny devices. The obverse detail is excellent with the individual hair tresses fully delineated except for those in the highest part of the design near the center of the portrait. On the reverse, the eagle has nearly all of its feathers crisply defined and we note sharp detail to the palm branches, lettering and dentilation. A lovely survivor fit for a world-class cabinet.
This 1795 eagle will be offered alongside a number of other jewels in our February 2016 Rarities Auction, held in conjunction with our third offering of the legendary D. Brent Pogue Collection. To consign your treasures to this sale, or any other of our auctions, please contact our offices today at 1-800-458-4646 to speak with a Consignment Director and see what Stack’s Bowers can do for you.
