1799 $10 Large Stars Obverse (Regular Strike)

David Akers (1975/88): The 1799 had more auction appearances in my survey than any other early Eagle and, despite its lower mintage, it is somewhat more common than the 1801. I have seen a substantial number of choice and gem uncirculated examples of this date as well as specimens in every other grade category. Varieties exist with small stars (as on earlier issues) and large stars (as on all early eagles that follow).

Gordon Wrubel: Quickfinder Notes: There is only one Large Star obverse die for 1799. It is paired with two reverses; Bass-Dannreuther, BD-9 and 10. The Large Star obverse is also used on all early eagles to follow (1800-1804). The stars are very broad with short fat rays. They are arranged 8 on the left and 5 on the right. They are very closely spaced, even "crowded". Some star points nearly touch their neighbors. And they are spaced CLOSER TO THE DENTILS. The Small Stars Obverse, BD-1 through 8, were the same size as those used on the previous year, 1798/7. They have long, thin "spiny" rays that are rather evenly spaced and somewhat apart and FARTHER FROM THE DENTILS. Despite the fact that only one Large Star obverse die was used, the variety appears to be more common. But population data probably includes some Small Star coins before that variety was designated. As of this writing, November, 2013, 139 Mint State examples have been graded. At the top of the list is an MS-66 followed by six 65s.