The $10 gold coin has a long history. The Eagle, as it was called, had many variations throughout the years which included the Capped Bust to Right Small Eagle, the Capped Bust to Right Heraldic Eagle, the Liberty Head No Motto, the Liberty Head Motto, the Indian Head No Motto, and the Indian Head Motto. Lady Liberty is represented on the front of them all with the majestic eagle on the back. It was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans, and Denver. Produced by the U.S. Mint from 1795 to 1933, the Eagle was one of the most widely circulated in America.
History
These 10 dollar gold coins went through many changes between 1795 and 1933. The first version was produced from 1795-1797 and had a capped bust of Liberty on the obverse with a small eagle on the reverse. From 1797-1804 the obverse remained the same but the eagle on the reverse was enlarged.
The next version, produced from 1838-1866, was dubbed the “Liberty” and features Lady Liberty on the obverse with a bun and loose curls down her neck. A coronet inscribed with “Liberty” is on her head. She is surrounded with thirteen stars and the date of issue. The reverse shows an eagle with its wings spread standing in olive branches with arrows in his talons and a shield on its breast. It is surrounded by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, the coin’s denomination, and the Mint Mark. The next version, produced from 1866-1907, includes the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the reverse.
The Indian Head $10 gold coin, 1907-1933, had two different versions. The first depicts Liberty on the obverse wearing an Indian headdress with “Liberty” inscribed on it. There are thirteen stars above her head with the date at the bottom of the coin. The eagle is featured on the reverse standing among olive branches with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the right. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is at the top and the denomination appears at the bottom. The next change appeared in 1908 when by an order of Congress the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” were added to it.
One of the most distinctive features of this piece was that the edge featured raised stars representing the States of the Union. The usual technique used for edges was either lettered or reeded.
Other Information
Other $10 gold coins have been minted by the United States. The most recent addition is the First Spouse series. These feature the images of the President’s wives. This was started in 2007. They will be released in the order they served as spouse. You can find these gold coins for sale through the U.S. Mint.
