Collection: Liberty Head $10 (1838 - 1907)

The Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht, marked the revival of the $10 gold coin in 1838 after a 34-year hiatus. Renowned for its elegant design and long production span, this coin is a cornerstone of American numismatics. With two primary design variations, the Liberty Head Eagle remained a staple of U.S. coinage until 1907.

Key Specifications

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht
• Issue Dates: 1838–1907
• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
• Diameter: 27 mm
• Weight: 16.72 grams (258.02 grains)
• Edge: Reeded

Historical Context

The Liberty Head $10 Eagle debuted in 1838 with Gobrecht's clean and balanced design. Originally created to replenish the nation's gold coin supply, the coin's obverse features Liberty adorned with a coronet inscribed "LIBERTY," while the reverse showcases an eagle with a shield, perched on an olive branch with arrows.

This design underwent only one major modification: the addition of the motto "In God We Trust" on a ribbon above the eagle in 1866, following the Civil War. Despite this change, the coin's weight, composition, and overall appearance remained consistent throughout its 69-year production.

Design Variations: Two Iconic Types

Type 1: No Motto (1838–1866)

• Obverse: Liberty with hair in a bun secured by beads, surrounded by stars, with the date below.
• Reverse: An eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TEN D."
• Unique Features: Early 1838 and some 1839 issues feature Liberty’s head tilted slightly forward, differing subtly from later designs.
• Mintage: 5,292,499 business strikes; 400 estimated proofs.
• Availability: Common dates are accessible in Very Fine to Extremely Fine grades. AU examples are scarcer, while Uncirculated and superb Uncirculated coins are rare. Proofs are exceedingly scarce.

Type 2: With Motto (1866–1907)

• Obverse: Identical to Type 1, with Liberty surrounded by stars.
• Reverse: Features the addition of "In God We Trust" on a ribbon above the eagle, maintaining the same general design.
• Mintage: 37,391,767 business strikes; 2,327 proofs.
• Availability: Later dates are more plentiful in higher grades. Uncirculated examples are accessible, while superb Uncirculated and proofs remain rare.

Challenges in Collecting Liberty Head $10 Eagles

While many dates and mintmarks are obtainable, assembling a complete set is a monumental challenge due to several rare issues:

• Key Dates: The 1864-S, 1870-CC, 1875, and 1883-O are among the most challenging.
• Prohibitively Rare: Some dates, like the 1854-S, are nearly impossible to acquire.
• Condition Rarity: Many earlier coins, especially from branch mints, are difficult to find in Uncirculated grades.

Why Collect Liberty Head $10 Eagles?

1. Historical Significance: Spanning pre-Civil War to the dawn of the 20th century, these coins offer a window into American history.
2. Design Longevity: The Liberty Head Eagle's nearly seven-decade run is a testament to its timeless design.
3. Investment Value: With high demand and limited supply, these coins are both historically important and financially rewarding for collectors and investors.
4. Rarity: Rare dates and conditions make this series a thrilling pursuit for dedicated numismatists.

Secure Your Piece of History

At ParadimeCoins.com, we specialize in premium Liberty Head $10 Eagles for discerning collectors. Whether you're building a type set or seeking rare key dates, our expertly curated inventory offers something for every collector. Explore our collection today to own a piece of American numismatic history.