$10 Liberty Head Eagle AU (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $10 Liberty Head Eagle is a classic United States gold coin produced from 1838 through 1907. Designed by U.S. Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht, the series features a neoclassical portrait of Liberty and remained in production for nearly 70 years. This example is offered in About Uncirculated (AU) condition, retaining strong design detail with light wear on the highest points from circulation. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

The Liberty Head Eagle debuted in 1838, marking the return of the $10 gold denomination after a production hiatus that had lasted since 1804. The series was struck at five U.S. Mint facilities during its long production run: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver.

The series underwent an important design change in 1866. Earlier examples were struck without a motto above the eagle, while beginning in 1866, IN GOD WE TRUST was added to a scroll above the eagle on the reverse. The Liberty Head Eagle remained in production through 1907, when it was succeeded by the Indian Head Eagle design.

Design

The obverse features Christian Gobrecht's left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Her hair is tied at the back, while thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait and the date appears below.

The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination TEN D. surround the design. Examples of the later type feature IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle.