$10 Indian Head Eagle BU (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $10 Indian Head Eagle is a distinctive United States gold coin designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Introduced in 1907 as part of President Theodore Roosevelt's effort to bring greater artistic quality to American coinage, the series combines a bold portrait of Liberty with a powerful standing eagle reverse. This example is offered in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, displaying no wear from circulation and retaining its uncirculated character. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

The Indian Head Eagle debuted in 1907, replacing the long-running Liberty Head Eagle. Augustus Saint-Gaudens adapted the portrait for the $10 coin from a figure he had previously created for the monument to General William Tecumseh Sherman in New York City. At President Theodore Roosevelt's request, the portrait of Liberty was paired with a Native American-style feathered headdress.

Indian Head Eagles were produced intermittently from 1907 through 1933 at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Coins struck in 1907 and early 1908 were issued without the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The motto was added to the reverse later in 1908 and remained for the rest of the series. The edge originally featured 46 raised stars representing the states in the Union, increasing to 48 stars in 1912 following the admission of New Mexico and Arizona.

Design

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars appear above the portrait, while the date is positioned below. The bold design reflects Saint-Gaudens' sculptural approach to American coinage.

The reverse depicts a standing eagle perched upon a bundle of arrows with an olive branch intertwined around them. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears above the eagle, with E PLURIBUS UNUM positioned to the right and TEN DOLLARS below. Issues produced after the 1908 design modification also feature IN GOD WE TRUST to the left of the eagle. The coin's edge features raised stars rather than traditional reeding.