1801 $10 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle PCGS MS62 - Iconic Numismatic Classic

We at AUCM are proud to present for consideration an iconic American coin from the early days of our republic, an 1801$10 Draped Bust eagle, Large Eagle, graded PCGS MS62. The $10 gold Eagle was the largest format gold coin of its day. The early gold Eagles are among the most cherished issues in all of numismatics. Coins such as this are expensive due to their breathtaking appearance and great popularity among numismatists.

There was criticism of the Small Eagle reverse on the $10 Eagle of 1795-1797. It was perceived to be "scrawny" and the U.S. Mint responded by changing the reverse design to a heraldic eagle. There has been conjecture that the change was motivated by a supposed cultural preference for a national symbol similar to those of European states. The eagle and shield design of the Great Seal of the United States fit the bill. The Great Seal, designed by William Barton of Philadelphia, had been adopted by both the Continental Congress and the U.S. Congress, and therefore was a familiar motif to Americans. The new reverse design also was similar to the recognizable and common foreign coins that circulated in the new nation. Chief Engraver Robert Scot adapted the Great Seal for the reverse design. Much attention has been paid to Scot's error of placement of the olive branch and arrows. The olive branch of peace is grasped in his left talon, which is considered the 'less honorable' one, while the arrows are held in his right talon, in essence symbolizing that 'war is more honorable than peace.'