2021 W $10 Gold Eagle PCGS MS70 Die Variety – Mint Error – Unfinished dies – John Dannreuther Signature

This is the first major die variety mint error coin in the Type 2 American Gold Eagle series. This $10, quarter ounce gold bullion coin was mistakenly struck on unpolished proof dies that have a W for WestPoint mintmark. Usually, the West Point mintmark would only be struck on Proof issue American Gold Eagles, making this a rare variety. We offer this unusual and valuable collectible coin in perfect MS70 condition by PCGS. This is one of the first coins released with the new Type 2 bald eagle design by Jennie Norris that is a major departure from how eagles have been depicted on coins since 1792. This key date, first year of issue, major die variety coin is a major discovery and is hand signed by John Dannreuther, Co-founder of PCGS, an award-winning author and one of the great numismatic research experts of all time. He has authored several books, including The Official Guide to Coin Grading, Counterfeit Detection, Early U.S. Gold Varieties, and Proof Gold Coinage of the U.S. He was named one of Coin World’s Most Influential People (1960-2020).

Condition

Coins are graded on the Sheldon numeric grading scale of 1 to 70. To achieve the top grade 70, a coin must have no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification. Major mint errors and varieties on modern U.S. coins are rare because of modern minting procedures that prevent such pieces from being released to the public. American Gold Eagle bullion coins should not bear the W mintmark positioned in the sun rays below the date 2021 on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. This coin is a major discovery and an important coin in the Type 2 series. To acquire one for your collection is an achievement. The perfect MS70 grade by PCGS and genuine hand signature by John Dannreuther, add another level of exclusivity to this modern era marvel.

Comments on this coin by John Dannreuther, Co-founder of PCGS, and one of the foremost experts on rarities and die varieties.

It happened again! Just like the 1999 error 1/10 and 1/4 ounce gold eagles, the new quarter ounce 2021 gold eagle was struck with unfinished proof dies. How did this happen again? Understanding the die production process, one can see how this type of error occurs. There are numerous steps to create the dies that strike the coins. After the die is hubbed (the hub is a positive in steel, while the die it creates is a negative, so the coins struck have raised features), the ones without mintmarks are treated differently than those with the 2021-W mintmarks that ordinarily strike only proof coins. Somehow, one of the dies with the 2021-W mintmark got mixed in with the normal production dies. Lacking the special treatment afforded proof dies, this die would look normal to a press operator, as the tiny mintmark would be overlooked. Thus, it was installed in a normal press and a number of regular strike (also called business strikes or MS coins) gold $10 coins were struck. These were then mixed with the coins without mintmarks and sold by the mint.

A sharp-eyed numismatist spotted them and bought large quantities and started searching. Over 60 coins were found by this specialist and soon, others heard about the error. Dealers and collectors started searching and a guess of the total number struck should be similar to the 1999 issues. This rarity should have around 6,000 examples if the striking conforms to the 1999 production numbers. Collectors will certainly want to add this exciting error to their American Eagle collection!

Collector Highlights

First major die variety coin in T2 Gold Eagle Series

Key date – the first year of issue coin

Certified in perfect MS70 condition by PCGS

Signature Series coin – Signed by John Dannreuther

Low PCGS certified population in MS70 condition

Specifications

Date: 2021
Metal: Gold
Weight: 0.25 troy oz.
Purity: .9167
Diameter: 22 mm
Condition: PCGS MS70

John Dannreuther

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