Indian Head Gold Eagle Ten Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens)
Pattern: Saint-Gaudens Indian Head Eagle (1907-1933)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens)
Material
90% Gold, 10% Copper (standard US gold alloy)
Dimensions
Diameter: 27 millimeters; Weight: 16.718 grams (approx. 0.4839 troy oz pure gold)
Description
An iconic example of American coinage design, the $10 Indian Head Eagle represents the pinnacle of the Renaissance of American Coinage movement. Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt, the reverse depicts a powerful standing eagle perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. The golden-yellow hue indicates high gold purity, and the relief shows the intricate feather detailing characteristic of Saint-Gaudens' work.
Key Features
Standing eagle motif, 13 stars above the eagle on some varieties, matte or satin luster, and distinct edge lettering/reeding.
Material & Composition
90% Gold, 10% Copper (standard US gold alloy)
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with high-relief details, featuring a standing eagle on the reverse and a profile portrait on the obverse
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscriptions: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, E PLURIBUS UNUM, TEN DOLLARS
Construction Details
Machine-struck at a US Mint facility (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with a face value of $10; reeded edge
Handle & Grip Details
None (numismatic object)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die work with artistic relief; transition from hand-sculpted plaster models to master steel dies.
Authentication Indicators
Specific weight (16.7g) and diameter (27mm) are key indicators. Counterfeits often have 'mushy' details in the feathers or incorrect edge reeding. Color consistency suggests authentic gold alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark visible)
Era & Period
Early 20th Century American Numismatics (1907-1933)
Age Estimate
Circa 1908-1933; the presence of the motto 'In God We Trust' dates it after mid-1908
Cultural Significance
Represents the American 'Golden Age' of design and the last era of circulating gold currency in the United States before the 1933 Gold Recall.
Condition Notes
Appears to have circulation wear on the high points of the eagle's wings and breast; surface shows minor bag marks and scratches; overall Very Good to Fine condition in a raw state.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $1,100 to $1,500 based on the current gold spot price and numismatic grade.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; store in a PVC-free plastic capsule to prevent scratches and preserve numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle (larger), Liberty Head $10 Eagle (preceding design), Modern Gold American Eagle bullion coins.
Interesting Facts
President Theodore Roosevelt felt American coins were 'artistically atrocious' and personally recruited sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign them.