$10 Gold
Ten-dollar gold "eagles" were first coined in 1795, with the weight and fineness conforming to that of the half eagle introduced a few months prior. They were to remain the highest denomination struck in America for the next 55 years. Only four basic designs were implemented during the life of the denomination. As follows: Capped Bust Right, Small Eagle 1795-1797; Capped Bust Right, Heraldic Eagle 1797-1804; Liberty Head 1838-1907; Indian Head 1907-1933. Early eagles were struck in limited numbers. Collectors often pursue the series by die variety, as well as, date and type. The mintage of eagles was halted following the 1804 emission, and the denomination was not coined again until the introduction of the Liberty Head motif in 1838. This distinguished design served until 1907, with the only revision being the addition of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a banner in the upper reverse field in 1866. World renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens created the Indian Head eagle, initiated in 1907. The first two years saw distinct variety changes, but by authority of President Theodore Roosevelt, America's motto absent. Public disapproval brought about a revision during 1908, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added in the left reverse field. The Indian Head eagle is the only gold denomination to release legally held 1933 dated coins into circulation prior to the abolishment of gold coinage by the United States in the same year.
Reference books include: UNITED STATES TEN DOLLAR GOLD EAGLES 1795-1804 by Anthony J. Taraszka; UNITED STATES EAGLES by Walter Breen; GOLD COINS OF THE CARSON CITY MINT by Douglas Winter; A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COINS by R.S. Yeoman; and the all encompassing COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF U.S. AND COLONIAL COINS by Walter Breen.
Rare Dates: 1804, 1804 Plain 4, 1875, 1907 Indian Head with Rounded Rim, 1933.
A Highlight $10 Gold from our Auctions
1852 NGC 61
