$10 Liberty Eagle

The $10 Liberty Eagle, introduced in 1838, was designed by Christian Gobrecht and quickly became a staple of U.S. coinage. Its nearly 70-year production run is a testament to its success and popularity, both at the time of circulation and among collectors today. As interest in these coins grows, finding high-quality specimens has become increasingly difficult, making them a coveted addition to any collection.

$10 Liberty Eagle Coin Highlights

• Composition: .4838 oz of gold (90% purity) and 10% copper alloy
• Weight: 16.718 grams
• Diameter: 27 mm
• Designer: Christian Gobrecht (minted from 1838–1907)
• Largest denomination in regular-issue coinage

History of the $10 Liberty Eagle

The Liberty Eagle was introduced after a 34-year hiatus in $10 gold coin production, following President Thomas Jefferson’s suspension of the denomination in 1804. Its return in 1838 coincided with changes in U.S. monetary policy. In 1834, Congress had reduced the weight of gold coins to prevent their intrinsic value from exceeding their face value that had previously led to widespread melting or export of gold coins.

Christian Gobrecht, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, created the Liberty Eagle design. Lady Liberty’s left-facing portrait, inspired by Venus in Benjamin West’s painting Omnia Vincit Amor (Love Conquers All), is crowned with a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.” This design would later influence other denominations, including the Half Eagle, Large Cent, and Double Eagle.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. In 1866, in response to the Civil War and the challenges of reconstruction, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was added on a scroll above the eagle, creating the second subtype of the series.

Types and Rarity

The $10 Liberty Eagle series is divided into two main types:

1. No Motto (1838–1865): These coins lack “IN GOD WE TRUST” and are particularly rare due to low mintages and the melting of gold coins during the 1930s recall. High-grade examples from this period are exceedingly difficult to find, and uncirculated specimens are virtually unheard of.
2. With Motto (1866–1907): This subtype, introduced after the Civil War, includes more widely available coins but still features many scarce dates and ultra-rarities.

Proof Liberty Eagles were struck in extremely limited numbers throughout the series, making them prized rarities. Collectors value these coins not only for their beauty and historical significance but also for their scarcity. Completing a full set of $10 Liberty Eagles, particularly in Proof, is a monumental challenge, as many surviving examples are held in permanent museum collections.

Legacy and Appeal

The $10 Liberty Eagle remained in production until 1907, when it was replaced by Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Indian Head design as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s efforts to “beautify” American coinage. Over its nearly 70-year run, the Liberty Eagle established itself as one of the most iconic U.S. coins, blending exquisite artistry with historical significance.

Today, collectors and investors continue to seek out Liberty Eagles as tangible assets and symbols of a bygone era. With many early examples lost to melting and recall, high-grade $10 Liberty Eagles are increasingly rare, making them a cornerstone of any serious numismatic collection.

The Constitutional Gold Group is proud to offer these extraordinary coins to both novices and advanced collectors. Whether you’re seeking to expand your collection or invest in rare gold coins, the $10 Liberty Eagle represents an enduring piece of America’s numismatic legacy.