1920-S $10 AU55 PCGS CAC

Offered here is a highly attractive and historically important example of the 1920-S Indian Eagle, certified AU55 by PCGS and verified by CAC for its superior quality within the grade. This elusive San Francisco issue has long stood as one of the most challenging coins in the entire 20th-century U.S. gold series. As noted by David Akers, the 1920-S is the rarest Indian Eagle in terms of Mint State survivors, while Q. David Bowers affirms its status as a major rarity in any and all grades. Struck to a limited mintage of 126,500 pieces, the majority of which were never released into circulation and were later melted following the 1933 Gold Recall, this issue has a low estimated survival of just 137 pieces in all grades, with only 50 graded AU55 by PCGS and a mere 9 certified by CAC at this level or finer. This Choice AU example displays classic greenish-gold coloration with softly frosted luster that remains intact across both sides. The obverse shows a rich blend of golden-orange and light rose hues, with subtle apricot undertones settling into the protected recesses around the stars and headdress. Liberty's portrait is sharply detailed for the issue, with bold central definition through the jawline and headdress feathers. As is characteristic of the date, some softness is evident near Liberty’s ear and on the upper letters in LIBERTY, but wear is minimal and confined to the highest points. Light, non-distracting abrasions appear in the fields, consistent with the assigned grade. The reverse features deep orange-gold coloration with coppery accents across the eagle’s plumage and wing. Satiny luster remains largely uninterrupted, enhancing the visual texture and offering a softly glowing appearance under light. Strike quality is strong overall, with only minor blending at the eagle's wing curve. Deeper russet highlights fill the protected areas beneath the eagle and around the legends, attesting to the coin’s originality and careful preservation. A scattering of hairlines is visible under magnification, but none detract from the coin’s outstanding eye appeal.

With no significant hoards ever reported and no repatriations known, the 1920-S remains a conditional and absolute rarity, especially in lightly circulated condition. This CAC-approved AU55 example, which realized $63,000 08/24 HA is a standout candidate for an advanced Indian Eagle set or a cabinet focused on 20th-century gold keys. Its combination of historic significance, technical quality, and eye appeal make it one of the most compelling AU survivors of this storied issue.

https://coins.ha.com/itm/indian-eagles/1920-s-10-au55-pcgs-cac/a/1376-4383.s?type=DA-DMC-PCGS-USCoins-1376-08122024 

PCGS Cert Verification #49000622

• PCGS Price Guide -$75,000
• PCGS POP - 12/50
• CAC Price Guide - $72,000
• CAC POP - 3/9
• PCGS Coin# 8881