Description
The $10 Liberty, or
Coronet, gold piece was minted after a thirty-four year hiatus of other
$10 gold pieces. The Coronet design by Christian Gobrecht was used on
this Eagle in 1838, two years earlier than it was used on the $2.50
Liberty and one year prior to its use on the $5 Liberty.
Design
Like the $2.50 and the $5
Liberty coins, the obverse features Lady Liberty, wearing her hair in a
tight bun with a few loose curls falling down her neck. On her head is
a coronet inscribed with the word 'Liberty'; surrounding her are
thirteen stars and the date of issue. The first $10 Liberty gold coins
minted in 1838 and early 1839 have a slightly different design than
those that were minted from the remainder of 1839 through 1907. The
most prominent difference is the shape of the neck truncation.
The reverse features a proud bald eagle with wings spread, standing
among olive branches. The eagle clinches three arrows in his talons,
and has a shield featuring stars and stripes upon his chest. The words
'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', the denomination, and the Mint Mark
surround the eagle. The $10 Liberty gold coins that were minted from
1838 and 1866 do not feature the Motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. In 1866 the
reverse was modified by adding the Motto on a ribbon above the eagle.
Minting Information
The Philadelphia
Mint produced these coins continuously throughout their circulation,
and the San Francisco Mint's production of the $10 was almost
continuous. In 1870, the Carson City facility began production. New
Orleans coins were produced from 1879 through 1883 and again several
years later. Coins were also struck at the newly opened Denver Mint
from 1906 until the introduction of the $10 Indian Head, which ended
the $10 Liberty's production.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Designer: Christian Gobrecht |
| Gross Weight: 16.718g |
Gold Content: 0.48375 oz. |
| Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Diameter: 27mm |
Edge: Reeded |
| Dates: 1838-1907 |
| Mints: Carson City (1870-84; 1890-93), Denver (1906-07), New Orleans (1841-60; 1879-83; 1888; 1892-95; 1897; 1899; 1901; 1903-04; 1906), Philadelphia (all dates), and San Francisco (1854-74; 1876-1889; 1892-1903; 1905-07) |
