 1795 Taraszka-1, Breen 1-A. Rarity-3+. AU-58 (NGC). A high-grade specimen of the first U.S. $10 coin, the much beloved beginning of a long-lasting denomination. Rich yellow gold with some coppery highlights at the peripheries. Good lustre remains, some reflectivity in protected areas, very nicely detailed with just an oval-shaped area of softness on the eagle's breast. The obverse adjustment marks are limited to the peripheries for the most part, with some also seen above the date and the most notable lines at 10:00 though they ring nearly the entire obverse. Scattered tiny planchet chips are visible in the obverse fields, a common occurrence on this issue and evidence of the inexperience of the Mint staff in casting gold ingots and rolling them into appropriate planchets. Some light pinscratches are present behind the tip of Liberty's cap and among ER of LIBERTY, a dull nick blends in behind Liberty's ear, and various light planchet flakes may also be seen on the reverse. The detail and color of this coin give it nice overall appeal. Any specimen of this issue is a prize, a valuable artifact of the earliest attempts to strike this most noble metal during the time when Washington still served as President and the Mint was little more than a workshop attempting to accomplish something grand. This will undoubtedly serve as a centerpiece in the next owner's cabinet.
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