1799 Eagle - The final ten dollar gold piece, or eagle, struck with a 17xx date was produced in 1799, and perhaps even early in 1800. Its total mintage, usually cited as 37,449 pieces, is the second highest of the series after the issue dated 1801. Because of this high mintage, it is the first eagle that is encountered with some frequency, even in the lower mint state grades. Some pieces have been graded gem by the major grading companies, and while those are very rare condition rarities it is an indication of the relative availability of this issue.

After fifteen months, production and delivery of the largest gold denomination of the United States resumed on May 14, 1799. The total mintage of 1799 eagles is believed to been delivered from that date until September 4, 1800. Bass-Dannreuther even mention that some pieces dated 1799 might have been struck as late as 1801. The fact that only a single 1800 dated variety is known, and the large number of dies that were used for coinage makes the number of 37,499 coins to be plausible, if production of this date did indeed end on September 4th.

In his Encyclopedia, Breen mentioned that the total coinage was struck using seven obverse dies and five reverse dies. This, however, appears to be an error in his Magnus opus. Recent research by both Taraszka and Bass-Dannreuther has revealed that the total mintage was struck from six different obverse dies and the same number of reverse dies. All combinations led to a total of ten different die varieties, in rarity ranging from scarce (BD-7 and BD-10, both R-3) to very rare (BD-1 and BD-4, both R-7).

There are two major varieties for this date, with either small or large obverse dies. The latter type would be used for the remaining of the series, but the majority of 1799 eagles consist of pieces with small obverse stars. Only the last two varieties, BD-9 and BD-10 have large obverse stars. The former is very scarce, but BD-10 is one of the most common eagle varieties for the whole series, making both varieties very collectable. Both are listed in the red book but most collectors would select such an issue for a type set only. The rarity of some dates of the series (in this case, almost all other dates) has let to a very limited number of collectors by date and variety.

With a total of ten different varieties, there are some interesting observations to be made of this issue. BD-1, the first variety of the year and a prime rarity with five to seven pieces known, was the first use of Robert’s Scot Arc star reverse. Its name derives from the stars placed above the heraldic eagle on the reverse, which are in an arc pattern. The coins with 1797 and 1798 reverses (all named reverse of 1797) were struck with dies made by John Smith Gardner, another engraver at the United States Mint in the late 1790s. His reverses, along with other differences, feature a cross pattern of the stars. When viewed side by side, the differences are obvious, but on single coins they are not always clear.

The final reverse die, used on the available BD-10 variety, would be used for a longer period of time. It features a number of distinctive features not seen on other dies, like a leaf from the olive branch touching the I in AMERICA at its lower light. The lowest berry in the same branch is centered under the right base of the last A, unlike BD-9 where it is to the right of it. While these minute differences are not interesting for the type or date set collector, they do provide clues to production and usage of the dies. This particular reverse die would be used to strike all known 1800 eagles, and one of two 1801 varieties. By studying the progress of the die at a later state, it would provide clues to the true emission sequence of some of the early 19th century eagles.

As previously mentioned, this issue is generally available in all grades up to the lower mint state level. Pieces grading lower as extremely fine are seldom seen, especially in undamaged condition, as is common for the type. Most pieces are fairly well produced, although some weakness usually is visible in the centers. Some authors have noted that the large star variety is more available than the small stars, but this does not appear to be the case in the circulated grades.

In uncirculated condition, most grade in the MS-61 and MS-62 range, although MS-63s are occasionally seen. MS-64 pieces are rarely offered at public auction, and are in strong demand by type set collectors. The few pieces that have been graded MS-65 are seldom publicly offered, and appear to be locked in specialized collections. Any chance to buy such a piece should be considered by great care, as it could be a long time before another piece becomes available. Incredibly, PCGS population reports also feature a single MS-66, considered to be unique for the series, but this piece has not appeared on the market in recent times.