Coin Options

While most widely known for his design of the double eagle (which now bears his name) noted sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens also designed the Indian $10.00 gold piece. A strong and noble design, it has captivated collectors for generations and remains one of the most sought-after gold type coins in the entire U.S. series. Indian eagles were struck continuously from 1907 through 1916, then sporadically through 1933, at which time Franklin Roosevelt took the country off the gold standard.

This outstanding series was struck for seventy years in two major varieties: those without the motto “In God We Trust” on the reverse (1838-1866) and those with the motto (1866-1907). Most dates prior to 1880 were struck in extremely low quantities, and Mint State pieces prior to that date range from extremely rare to unknown. After 1880, the situation improves considerably, with most dates widely available in lower Mint State grades.

Theodore Roosevelt’s push for a redesign of the nation’s gold coinage was realized with the 1907 appearance of Augustus Saint-Gaudens; magnificent designs on the eagle and double eagle, and Bela Lyon Pratt’s noble Indian engraved on the quarter eagle and half eagle the following year. Pratt’s designs were unique. They were incuse designs – that is, sunken below the fields of the coin, leaving the background as the highest point on the coin. There were warnings from doctors at the time that the recessed portions of the coin would harbor disease-bearing germs, and bankers were cautioned to wash their hands carefully after handling them.

First struck in 1840, quantity mintages did not really begin until the early 1850′s. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty quarter eagle was struck at five different mints during its 67-year production run. Mintages varied, but were generally well below 100,000 pieces per year. It wasn’t until the turn of the century that mintages reached levels high enough for any date to be called “common.”

The Liberty double eagle came to symbolize America’s growing wealth and power in the second half of the 19th century. Like the half eagle and eagle, varieties without motto (1850-1866) and with motto (1866-1907) were produced. In addition, in 1877 a minor change to the reverse was made, spelling out the denomination “TWENTY DOLLARS” in full, yielding a third variety for this type. Mint State pieces of the first two varieties are uncommon, so all “generic” Liberty double eagles are of the third type.

Often described as America’s most beautiful coin, the “Saint” is truly an awesome example of early 20th century engraving.  So revered is this design, that it was chosen for the obverse of the “American Eagle” bullion coin.  Saint-Gaudens $20s did not circulate to a great extent.  They were often used between banks and governments, so a majority of the surviving Saint-Gaudens remains in uncirculated condition.  In fact, nearly two thirds of the certified Mint State pieces are MS-63 or better.  There are of course, many thousands of AU-58 to MS-61 quality pieces which are not worth certifying, so the percentages are a bit distorted.  High quality pieces are not quite as common as they appear.  But as a general rule, if you want gem quality Saint, you won’t have much trouble finding one.

Like the quarter Eagle that appeared in 1908, the half eagle featured Bela Lyon Pratt’s controversial incuse, or sunken design. Most dates from the Denver and Philadelphia mints are common, while those from the San Francisco and New Orleans mints are tougher in Mint State grades. The only date struck in the New Orleans mint was 1909. The Indian half eagle was struck regularly through 1916. Over half a million pieces were struck in 1929, but evidently most were melted as this date is now one of the key dates in the series.

Christian Gobrecht’s “Liberty” half eagle appeared in 1839, but mintages were generally low until the late 1870′s. After that time, mintages averaged nearly ten times those of its smaller cousin, the quarter eagle. Two major varieties are recognized: the “No Motto” variety, struck from 1839 through the end of production in 1908. The Liberty half eagle enjoys the unique distinction of being the only U.S. coin struck at all seven mints.

Coins can be purchased individually. Please call for current pricing. Sets can also be purchased individually. Prices subject to change without notice. Due to small premium over dealer cost, no credit card orders accepted. All coins certified by PCGS or NGC. Dates of our choice. Other grades also available.

Please call for current pricing. Sets can also be purchased individually. Prices subject to change without notice. Due to small premium over dealer cost, no credit card orders accepted. All coins certified by PCGS or NGC. Dates of our choice. Other grades also available.

Coins can be purchased individually. Please call for current pricing. Sets can also be purchased individually. Prices subject to change without notice. Due to small premium over dealer cost, no credit card orders accepted. All coins certified by PCGS or NGC. Dates of our choice. Other grades also available.