Editor’s Note: Below is the description from the Heritage Galleries listing:
1800 $10 --Double Struck--AU58 PCGS. B. 1-A, Taraszka-23, Breen-6842, R.4. Only 5,999 pieces were struck of the 1800 ten dollar, making it a scarce date among early gold coins. Apparently the dies were retired after a die crack developed above LIBERTY on the upper obverse. That crack is especially noticeable on this piece, which would indicate that this was among the last coins struck in 1800. But what is most remarkable about this coin is not the date or even the grade, but the double striking seen on each side. This is not machine doubling that is commonly seen on early type coins. This piece was struck once, then the struck coin rotated almost 180 degrees and it was struck a second time. Traces of the first strike are plentiful on each side, but the most obvious ones are portions of LIBERTY to the right of the stars and through stars 1-5, and on the reverse the UNU of UNUM is boldly impressed in the horizontal shield stripes.
This is the first coin we have seen like this. As all error collectors know, gold errors are of the highest order of rarity. Quality control was strictest with gold coins throughout the Mint's history, and it was certainly just as strict in the early days--perhaps even more so, as so much of the early republic's prestige was represented by these large coins when presented abroad. This is a very sharply struck example that shows crisp definition on the eagle's breast above the shield, and strong detailing on Liberty's hair and complete star radials. Almost complete mint luster remains on each side with semi-prooflike fields. The olive-gold color of the coin has been allowed to tone naturally and has taken on an attractive overlay of reddish patina on each side. A few field marks are noted, and there are several marks on Liberty's hair and cap, but frankly, it is difficult to determine just what is a post-striking defect and what is a result of the double striking. A very rare and obviously important coin for the early gold specialist.
