1913-S $10 Indian NGC AU55 CAC

The 1913-S $10 Indian Head Eagle represents one of the most challenging branch mint issues in the entire Indian Head Eagle series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin is a classic rarity in higher grades, widely sought by advanced collectors and investors alike. Certified AU55 by NGC and approved by CAC, this example displays strong preservation, originality, and the kind of quality that makes it stand out among survivors.

The Indian Head Eagle series was designed by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt envisioned a renaissance in American coinage, one that reflected the artistic and cultural ambitions of the early 20th century. The obverse features Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet, a bold and innovative departure from earlier designs. Thirteen stars line the top of the design, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed across the headband. The reverse depicts a majestic eagle standing on a bundle of arrows, symbolizing preparedness, with an olive branch intertwined to represent peace. The combination of power and artistry has made the Indian Head Eagle one of the most admired gold coins in U.S. numismatics.

The 1913-S is one of the scarcer issues in the series, with a mintage of just 66,000 coins. This is a fraction of the millions struck at Philadelphia in other years. Survival rates are low due to circulation, melting, and the loss of coins during the recall of gold in the 1930s. As a result, the 1913-S is a conditional rarity: it is difficult to find in any Mint State grade, and even About Uncirculated pieces like this one are scarce and valuable.

This example has been certified AU55 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), a grade that places it above the majority of surviving examples. Coins at this level retain sharp details and exhibit only modest wear confined to the highest points of the design. The surfaces are pleasing and show traces of luster, providing an overall appearance that approaches Mint State. Adding to its appeal, this coin has been endorsed by the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), confirming that it meets the strict standards of quality and originality within its grade. Collectors and dealers alike prize CAC approval, as it offers an added layer of assurance in the marketplace.

The importance of the 1913-S extends beyond its low mintage. It is one of the most challenging dates to acquire for a complete set of Indian Head Eagles. Collectors specializing in San Francisco gold, 20th-century rarities, or the Indian series all recognize its scarcity and historical value. In circulated grades, it is attainable but still respected. In About Uncirculated or higher with CAC approval, it becomes a centerpiece coin—one that fills a difficult spot in even the most advanced collections.

Historical context adds to its significance. The 1913-S was struck during a time when the United States was preparing for its growing role in world affairs. Gold coins like the $10 Indian were central to both domestic commerce and international trade. Their artistry symbolized national pride, while their intrinsic value made them indispensable in financial transactions. Owning a 1913-S today is to hold a piece of that era’s economic and cultural history.

For collectors, the 1913-S $10 Indian in NGC AU55 CAC offers the perfect blend of rarity, quality, and affordability relative to higher Mint State grades. While true Gems are virtually unobtainable and command six-figure prices when they appear, an AU55 CAC-certified coin delivers impressive detail and originality without the prohibitive premium. It represents both a smart acquisition and a historically meaningful addition to a collection.

The 1913-S $10 Indian Head Eagle NGC AU55 CAC is far more than a gold coin. It is a rarity born from low mintage, survival challenges, and artistic distinction. With its near-Mint preservation, strong visual appeal, and CAC approval, this example provides collectors with a chance to secure one of the most important San Francisco issues in the series. Whether pursued as part of a specialized gold collection, an Indian Head Eagle set, or a portfolio of classic U.S. rarities, it will remain a highlight for decades to come.