1798 $1 large eagle offered at Heritage Auctions

An MS62-graded 1798 $1 large eagle is the star lot ahead of a sale of US coins at Heritage Auctions in Dallas on March 3-6.

It's offered with an opening bid of $19,975.

1798 large eagle
The 1798 $1 large eagle was minted in a run of 287,536

The coin is one of 287,536 pieces minted and is one of very few surviving examples to be graded above MS60.

Heritage explains: "This is the first use of a workhorse obverse die that was used for seven different die marriages.

"The reverse die was used for four varieties, appearing here in its final use. The present piece has the highest hair wave lapped, apparently as always, although lacks any trace of the die crack through the 9 in the date."

The record for the issue is $74,750, set at Superior Galleries in a 2004 auction.

A 1652 pine tree shilling is also on offer, with a starting bid of $11,162.

The issue was minted at the Massachusetts Bay Colony, one of the most successful European colonies.  

The mint was established in 1652, due to a shortage of coins. They were produced in a rocker press and separated using shears, often resulting in unusual shapes.

The present lot is in exceptional condition, with a grade of MS63.

We have an exciting range of coins available, click here to take a look.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about coin and banknote auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock