1800 $10 MS61 Certification #49557306, PCGS #8563

Charles Morgan

The 1800 Draped Bust Eagle

The low reported mintage of the 1800 Capped Bust Right Eagle (PCGS #8563) mirrors the limited Philadelphia Mint emissions of 1795–1797. According to research by Harry W. Bass, Jr. and John Dannreuther, a single die pair was used to strike all 1800-dated Eagles. However, the striking sequence is unusual: evidence points to a "remarriage" of the obverse and reverse in 1801, occurring after the reverse die had already been used to strike the BD-1 1801 Eagle (#45733). When the 1801 obverse failed prematurely, coiners expediently returned the 1800 obverse to service. The exact number of 1800-dated Eagles struck during this 1801 window remains a point of conjecture.

The stated mintage of 5,999 is derived from the final two deliveries of 1800:

• November 18 (Warrant #183): 3,754 coins
• November 25 (Warrant #184): 2,245 coins

Because the remarriage output was likely included in the 1801 delivery totals, the final mintage for the "1800" date is unclear. While determining this figure is significant, the mass export of early American gold effectively wiped out vast quantities of these coins, draining the nascent nation's meager holdings. To address this drain, the Jefferson Administration suspended coinage of America’s flagship gold and silver denominations in 1804.

The PCGS Population Report helps estimate a likely survival rate, though these figures represent all coins certified and graded to date. In some instances, this count is inflated by resubmissions. Case in point: the condition census features detailed information for only five of the ten coins listed. The five without data share a similar profile—most were certified over 20 years ago. While important coins often disappear into private collections for decades, a sophisticated observer might view this as a sign of a bloated population. Consequently, the rare opportunities to acquire a high-quality example should not be taken for granted.

BD-1 Die Characteristics

Obverse Diagnostics

• Date Spacing: The digits in the date are spaced widely apart.
• Digit Placement: The "1" is positioned to the left of the bust’s curl.
• Die Failure: A distinct die break runs through the top of the word LIBERTY.
• Star Detail: Large stars; specifically, the eighth star hangs slightly lower than the others.

Reverse Diagnostics

• Die Remarriage: A significant die clash showing denticles from wingtip to the top of STAT occured during the 1801 BD-1 production run and is evidence of a remarriage of the 1800 Obverse and Reverse die.

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