1870-CC $10 Liberty NGC AU53 CAC

The reverse side of this particular type features a scroll positioned above the eagle, displaying the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" in raised lettering. Other than the presence of this scroll, the design remains identical to the No Motto Type. The inclusion of this motto in our coinage was initiated following the advocacy of Reverend Mark R. Watkinson from Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. The unsettling and distressing circumstances of the Civil War stirred profound religious sentiments among the populace, prompting Reverend Watkinson to propose its acknowledgment. Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, concurred with this idea and, utilizing his authority over coin inscriptions, introduced the motto for the first time on the 2-cent piece in 1864. Originally, the motto was intended to read as "In God Our Trust," but Secretary Chase's association with his alma mater, Brown University, might have influenced the final wording. Brown University's motto, "IN DEO SPERAMUS," translates to "IN GOD WE HOPE," and it is believed that this played a role in Chase's decision regarding the exact phrasing of the motto. The Coin Act of March 3, 1865, granted the Treasury the discretion to include the motto "on all coins able to accommodate it," referring to coins large enough to accommodate the additional inscription. The Mint interpreted this to encompass all silver coins larger than a dime, half eagles, eagles, and double eagles. However, it wasn't until 1908 that Congress mandated the inclusion of the motto on both gold and silver coins. Subsequently, in 1955, Congress passed legislation requiring the motto's presence on all coins. With the exception of the year 1873, all Half Eagles featuring the With Motto design and dated prior to 1878 exhibit low mintages, rendering them rare and expensive. This scarcity can be attributed to the effects of the Civil War. During the conflict, gold coins were hoarded, and banks suspended specie payments. This hoarding practice resulted in a two-tiered pricing system, where products purchased with paper currency cost more than those bought with gold. The gold coins produced primarily served international trade, bank reserves, and specific contracts that stipulated payment solely in gold. The year 1873 stands out as an exception because the Treasury deposited substantial quantities of old, worn, and obsolete gold coins for re-coinage. In 1878, following the resumption of specie payments by banks, mintages increased significantly, flooding the economy with a vast number of half eagles. Collectors seek this coin type individually or as part of diverse sets. In addition to collecting by date or date and mintmark combinations, one of the more popular approaches is to acquire one coin from each of the seven Mints that produced half eagles. Remarkably, half eagles are the only coin minted at all seven U.S. Mint facilities.