Boston is a city rich in history, especially when it comes to early American events. Tourism is booming here, and for good reason. Among the many historical sites, one that truly stands out is the Charlestown Navy Yard, home to the USS Constitution. This ship is the world’s oldest warship still afloat, and it plays a significant role in American history. In the late 1700s, funding the U.S. Navy was a big challenge. To help, the first estate tax was established in 1797, and gold and silver coins were used to pay for it. Recently, Boston saw a piece of that history pass through its hands—a rare gold coin from 1797.
What Is the 1797 $10 Gold Eagle?
The 1797 $10 gold eagle is a special coin from the early days of the United States. The coin was created to help fund the U.S. Navy, which was protecting American trade routes at the time. In 1797, the design on the back of the coin changed from a small eagle to a large eagle. There were only 10,940 of these large eagle coins made, making it rare and valuable to collectors today.
Why Is This Coin Special?
Recently, a 1797 $10 gold eagle passed through Boston and caught the attention of collectors. This particular coin is known as a “Large Eagle” type, and it has a recorded mintage of just 10,940 pieces. The Boston team handled one of these coins graded AU-55 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). This means the coin is in excellent condition, with some signs of use but still very attractive to collectors. It has a beautiful honey-yellow tone and comes in a first-generation “Rattler” holder, making it even more desirable.
Where Will This Coin Be Auctioned?
The 1797 $10 gold eagle will be featured in the Rarities Night of the August 2024 Global Showcase Auction. It will be auctioned as lot #3388, and it’s expected to draw a lot of attention from collectors around the world. Since this coin is a rare find and in great condition, it’s likely to fetch a high price. Collectors who are interested in early American gold coins, especially the Capped Bust eagle series, will definitely want to take a look.
The History Behind the $10 Gold Eagle
The $10 gold eagle coin was introduced in 1795 and was the largest denomination of U.S. coins at the time. The coin featured a design with Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back. In 1797, the design was updated from a small eagle to a large eagle. This change makes the 1797 coin especially interesting to collectors. The coins were used to help fund the young country’s military efforts, including the U.S. Navy, which was vital for protecting American trade and commerce.
Collecting Early U.S. Gold Coins
Early U.S. gold coins are highly sought after by collectors. These coins represent an important time in American history, and owning one is like owning a piece of that history. The 1797 $10 gold eagle, in particular, is a prized piece because of its rarity and connection to the early days of the United States. Collectors look for coins that are in good condition, like the one recently handled by Boston, which has strong eye appeal and a rich history behind it.
Conclusion
The 1797 $10 Large Eagle gold coin is not just a piece of history; it’s a valuable collector’s item. With only 10,940 made, each coin tells a story of early America’s struggles and triumphs. The recent sale of one of these coins in Boston shows the ongoing interest in rare and historic U.S. coins. As it heads to auction in August 2024, collectors are sure to compete for a chance to own this extraordinary piece of American history.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | $10 Gold Eagle (Large Eagle) |
| Year Minted | 1797 |
| Mintage | 10,940 |
| Grading | AU-55 by PCGS |
| Historical Use | Funded U.S. Navy and commerce |
Auction Information
| Auction Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Auction Event | August 2024 Global Showcase Auction |
| Lot Number | 3388 |
| Coin Type | 1797 $10 Large Eagle |
| Expected Bidders | Early U.S. coin collectors |
| Grading | AU-55 by PCGS |
FAQ’s
What is the 1797 $10 gold eagle?
The 1797 $10 gold eagle is a rare coin made to help fund the U.S. Navy, with only 10,940 produced that year.
Why is the 1797 $10 gold eagle special?
It is special because of its rarity, condition, and historical significance, being one of the first coins to support the early U.S. military.
Where will the coin be auctioned?
The coin will be featured in the Rarities Night of the August 2024 Global Showcase Auction as lot #3388.
What does “AU-55” mean in coin grading?
AU-55″ is a grade that indicates the coin is in “About Uncirculated” condition, showing minimal wear with nearly all of its original details intact.
What is the Charlestown Navy Yard?
The Charlestown Navy Yard is a historical site in Boston and home to the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest warship still afloat.
