The 1795 Eagle BD-4 13 Leaves $10 coin is a significant piece of early American numismatics. It is part of the first official gold coin series produced by the United States Mint, known as the Capped Bust to Right design. These coins were minted from 1795 to 1804.
The BD-4 variety of the 1795 Eagle $10 coin is distinguished by the number of leaves on the olive branch held by the eagle on the reverse side of the coin.
In this case, the eagle holds an olive branch with 13 leaves, representing the original thirteen colonies of the United States.
The obverse side features a bust of Liberty facing right, wearing a Phrygian cap, which was a symbol of freedom in ancient Rome. The word "LIBERTY" appears above the bust, and the year of mintage is typically found below it.
On the reverse side, there is an eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle's head is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and around the periphery are the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the denomination "TEN D."
The 1795 Eagle BD-4 13 Leaves $10 coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance and relative rarity. These coins were struck during the formative years of the United States Mint and represent an important chapter in the nation's numismatic heritage.
The 1795 Eagle BD-4 13 Leaves $10 coin holds a special place in American numismatic history as one of the earliest examples of gold coinage issued by the United States Mint.
Its production marked a significant milestone in the nation's efforts to establish a stable and reliable monetary system following the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1789.
During this period, the fledgling U.S. Mint faced numerous challenges in minting gold coins of consistent weight and purity. Minting technology was still in its infancy, and ensuring uniformity in the striking process was a complex endeavor.