$10 Liberty Head Eagle VF (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 Very Fine (VF) condition, showing moderate circulation wear while retaining clear major design details. Dates, mintmarks, and types vary based on availability.

History

The Liberty Head Eagle debuted in 1838, marking the return of the $10 gold eagle after production of the denomination had been suspended following 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 includes two major types. The original No Motto design was introduced in 1838 and continued through 1866. In 1866, IN GOD WE TRUST was added to a scroll above the eagle on the reverse, creating the With Motto type that remained in production through 1907. Because dates and types vary for this product, individual coins may represent either major design type depending on availability.

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, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination TEN D. surround the design. With Motto examples feature IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle, while earlier No Motto examples omit the inscription.