$10 Liberty Head Eagle Jewelry Grade (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $10 Liberty Head Eagle is a classic pre-1933 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 contains nearly one-half troy ounce of pure gold. Offered here in Jewelry Grade condition, these coins may exhibit significant wear, cleaning, surface marks, damage, or evidence of previous use in jewelry. 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 suspension of more than three decades. The series remained in production through 1907 and was struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver Mints during various periods of its long history.

Several design variations appeared during the series. The earliest 1838 and 1839 issues feature a distinct portrait style, followed by the standard No Motto design. In 1866, IN GOD WE TRUST was added to a scroll above the eagle on the reverse, creating the With Motto type that continued through the end of the series. Regardless of condition, Liberty Head Eagles retain the historic design and gold content that have made pre-1933 U.S. gold coins widely recognized among collectors and gold buyers.

Design

The obverse features Christian Gobrecht's left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Her hair is gathered 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 in its talons, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination TEN D. surround the design. Later With Motto issues feature IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle, while earlier No Motto examples omit the inscription. Design details may vary depending on the date and type received.