1910 United States Indian Head $10 Eagle Gold Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The US Mint is the primary coinage authority and manufacturer in the USA.
Pattern: Indian Head Eagle ($10 Gold Piece), minted 1907-1933.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The US Mint is the primary coinage authority and manufacturer in the USA.
Material
0.900 Fine Gold (90% gold, 10% copper). Total weight 16.7188 grams.
Dimensions
Diameter: 27 mm; Thickness: 2.03 mm; Net gold content: 0.48375 troy ounces.
Description
A beautiful 1910 $10 gold coin featuring the iconic Saint-Gaudens Indian Head design. Liberty is depicted wearing a male war bonnet, surrounded by 13 stars. This is one of the most aesthetically celebrated designs in numismatic history.
Key Features
Saint-Gaudens design, 90% gold composition, Indian Head motif, 1910 dating, 27mm diameter.
Material & Composition
0.900 Fine Gold (90% gold, 10% copper). Total weight 16.7188 grams.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Lustrous finish with high relief elements. Features Liberty in a Native American feathered headdress (obverse) and a standing eagle (reverse). Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and stars on the edge.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date (1910) on obverse; Mint mark (if any) on reverse above eagle's wings; 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and denomination 'TEN DOLLARS' on reverse.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a government mint facility. Features an incuse edge (meaning the stars and mottos are raised above the rim's thickness on some variations, though standard eagles have flat rims).
Functional Features
Monetary currency/Legal tender of the United States. Re-reeded or star-lettered edge to prevent shaving of gold.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin form. Intended for hand-to-hand circulation or storage in numismatic holders.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality government minting displaying the transition from hand-sculpted clay models to industrial die reductions. Exceptional relief and anatomical detail shown in the eagle and headdress.
Authentication Indicators
Specific gravity test, diameter and weight verification (16.71g), and crispness of the 'L' in Liberty on the headdress. Watch for 'mushy' details typical of cast counterfeits.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) or San Francisco Mint ('S').
Era & Period
Classic Era of US Coinage / Progressive Era (1910). Commissioned during Theodore Roosevelt's 'Petrus' initiative to beautify American coinage.
Age Estimate
Produced in the year 1910.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the Gilded Age and American expansion. These coins were removed from circulation in 1933 under Executive Order 6102, making surviving pieces highly collectible.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'Circulated' to 'About Uncirculated' condition. Visible surface wear on the high points of the feathers and hair. Minor bag marks present. Overall Grade: Good/Very Good (numismatic scale).
Value Estimate
$1,100 to $1,400 USD based on current gold spot prices and numismatic premium for a 1910 date.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish. Store in an airtight PVC-free plastic capsule. Handle only by the edges to avoid fingerprint oils which can cause copper spots on 90% gold.
Similar Pieces
$5 Indian Head Gold Coin (smaller), $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, or gold-plated brass replicas (which lack the weight and density).
Interesting Facts
Theodore Roosevelt personally commissioned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the $10 and $20 gold pieces because he felt US currency was 'hideous'.