$10 Gold Indian Eagle – BU

In the waning years of America’s Gilded Age, the fervor for national renewal found its way from the halls of the White House to the artistry of the United States Mint. President Theodore Roosevelt, inspired by the grandeur of ancient coinage, sought to elevate American coins beyond mere currency—he envisioned miniature masterpieces reflecting the spirit and diversity of the nation. He reached out to Augustus Saint-Gaudens, whose statues and medals were already renowned for their classical elegance. Their collaboration would bring about a strikingly modern reimagining of U.S. gold coinage, forever changing its face and legacy.

The $10 Gold Indian Eagle, born in 1907, was at the heart of this renaissance. Roosevelt’s bold request to place a Native American war bonnet—emblazoned with “LIBERTY”—atop the profile of Liberty herself was more than a stylistic choice. It was a powerful symbol: a tribute acknowledging the profound influence and dignity of America’s indigenous peoples, woven directly into national iconography. Saint-Gaudens’ original vision, rooted in classical motifs, was thus reinterpreted to express the pluralistic ideals of a new century.

These coins entered circulation during an era of rapid transformation—witnessing the industrial surge, World War I, and the turbulent transition into the Great Depression. Yet, their production was to be cut short: in 1933, amid economic crisis, the U.S. government halted all gold coinage for public use. Many coins were melted down, leaving survivors as treasured relics of an age when artistry and power merged in gold.

Today, the $10 Gold Indian Eagle stands as a testament to both numismatic innovation and American history. Collectors and scholars alike cherish these coins not only for their scarcity, but for the stories they embody—stories of ambition, inclusion, and the indelible mark of master artisans. Each coin, untouched by time in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, is a tangible piece of the nation’s quest for greatness.

To hold a $10 Gold Indian Eagle is to cradle history itself—a relic shaped by visionary leadership, cultural synthesis, and the hands of one of America’s greatest sculptors. For the discerning numismatist, it is much more than an investment: it is a conversation across generations, a golden echo of the American spirit.

Design Features

The obverse of the coin features the left-facing bust of Lady Liberty adorned with a feathered Native American war bonnet. This daring fusion of motifs, conceived by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and realized with modifications by Charles Barber, is crowned with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed across the headdress. Thirteen stars—one for each original state—arc over the rim, framing Liberty with both history and hope.

The reverse presents a boldly sculpted bald eagle, resolute and alert, perched atop a bundle of arrows intertwined with an olive branch. This arrangement poignantly balances the ideas of military readiness and the pursuit of peace. Encircling the eagle, the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN DOLLARS” command attention, while the mottoes “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” reaffirm national unity and faith. The distinctive edge of the coin is adorned with raised stars, representing the number of states in the Union during each year of mintage, adding another layer of period authenticity and artistry.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: GOLD – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.4837 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: A left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” encircled by thirteen stars.
• Reverse: A majestic bald eagle standing on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by inscriptions and flanked by the mottoes “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Investment Appeal

The $10 Gold Indian Eagle offers compelling investment value, combining nearly a half-ounce of .900 pure gold with global recognition and enduring demand. Unlike modern bullion, its allure is magnified by scarcity, historical significance, and a design pedigree linked to Augustus Saint-Gaudens—a name revered among numismatists. These coins maintain strong liquidity, often commanding a premium not only for gold content, but for their iconic artistry and association with America’s “Golden Age” of coinage. For those seeking diversification with tangible heritage, the Indian Eagle stands as both a safeguard and a showcase piece in any well-curated collection.