Collection: Indian $10 (1907 - 1933)

Indian $10 Gold Eagle (1907–1933)

The Indian $10 Gold Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, represents one of the most iconic designs in U.S. coinage history. Its inception was a direct result of President Theodore Roosevelt's desire to elevate American coin design to the level of fine art. This bold design replaced the long-standing Liberty Head motif and remains a favorite among collectors and investors alike.

Key Specifications

• Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
• Issue Dates: 1907–1933
• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
• Diameter: 27 mm
• Weight: 16.72 grams (258.02 grains)
• Edge: Raised stars (46 stars from 1907–1911; 48 stars from 1912–1933)

Historical Context

The Indian $10 Gold Eagle debuted in 1907, featuring an innovative incuse design that set it apart from previous U.S. coins. Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ design included a striking portrait of Liberty adorned with a Native American headdress on the obverse and a powerful perched eagle on the reverse. Early issues lacked the motto "In God We Trust", a decision driven by President Roosevelt’s personal preferences. However, public demand led to the addition of the motto in 1908.

This series is divided into four primary types, including experimental designs like the rare Wire Rim and Rolled Rim issues of 1907. Production continued intermittently until 1933, with certain dates and mintmarks achieving legendary rarity.

Design Types

Type 1: Wire Rim (1907)

• Mintage: Estimated 500
• Details: Struck in high relief with no protective rim, these coins are technically patterns but are recognized as quasi-regular issues due to their distribution. The reverse features periods before and after the legends.
• Availability: Most survivors are Mint State, but high-grade examples (MS66+) are exceptionally rare.

Type 2: Rolled Rim (1907)

• Mintage: 40–45 coins
• Details: Created with a more rounded rim for better protection, the Rolled Rim coins were produced in larger numbers but were largely melted before release. Most surviving examples are in Mint State, often in high grades.

Type 3: No Motto (1907–1908)

• Mintage: 483,448 (business strikes)
• Details: Coins in this type lack the motto "In God We Trust" on the reverse. The design includes 46 raised stars on the edge, representing the states in the Union. These coins are available in a range of grades, though superb Uncirculated examples are scarce.

Type 4: With Motto (1908–1933)

• Mintage: 14,385,139 (business strikes)
• Details: The addition of "In God We Trust" on the reverse defines this type. Edge stars increased to 48 in 1912 to reflect the expanded Union. Mintages varied significantly, with the highest production occurring before 1916.
• Availability: Coins from 1926 and 1932 are most commonly found in high grades, while dates like 1920-S, 1930-S, and the rare 1933 are highly sought after.

Rarity and Collectibility

The Indian $10 Gold Eagle series is both historically significant and collectible.

• Key Dates:
  • 1920-S and 1930-S are scarce.
  • 1933 is a legendary rarity, with only 30–35 examples known to exist.
• Condition Rarities: Superb Uncirculated coins from most dates are extremely rare.
• Early Types: The Wire Rim and Rolled Rim coins of 1907 are prized for their artistry and low survival rates.

Why Collect Indian $10 Gold Eagles?

1. Artistic Legacy: Designed by one of America’s most renowned sculptors, the Indian Eagle is a masterpiece of coinage art.
2. Historical Significance: These coins capture a pivotal era of U.S. history, including Roosevelt's efforts to reform American coinage.
3. Investment Potential: With high demand and finite supply, this series offers long-term appreciation potential.
4. Rarity: Certain dates and types provide thrilling opportunities for advanced collectors.

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