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The Certified 1894 $10 Gold Liberty, graded MS62 by NGC, is an impressive example of one of the most iconic designs in U.S. coinage history. The $10 Liberty Head Eagle series, minted from 1838 to 1907, reflects both the artistic elegance and the economic importance of gold coinage in America during the 19th century. The Liberty Head design, created by Christian Gobrecht, embodies the classical ideals of liberty and strength, making it one of the longest-running coin designs in the United States. The 1894 issue, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, showcases the enduring beauty of this coin in a well-preserved state of MS62, highlighting the craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint during this era.
The obverse of the 1894 $10 Gold Liberty features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Liberty’s hair is pulled back into a bun, with flowing curls along her neck, emphasizing the classical Greco-Roman influences in the design. Surrounding Liberty’s profile are 13 stars, representing the original colonies, with the date "1894" positioned at the bottom of the coin. In MS62 condition, the obverse retains a high level of detail, with Liberty’s facial features and hair sharply defined. The luster on the obverse gives the coin a radiant appearance, while the light contact marks, typical for this grade, are minimal and do not detract from the coin’s overall eye appeal. The obverse presents a balance of beauty and historical significance, making it a cherished piece for collectors of U.S. gold coinage.
The reverse of the 1894 $10 Gold Liberty is equally striking, featuring a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. Above the eagle’s head is a ribbon bearing the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," while the denomination "TEN D." is inscribed below the eagle. The reverse is framed by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." In MS62 condition, the reverse retains much of its original sharpness, with the eagle’s feathers and other intricate details still clearly visible. The luster on the reverse complements the frosted design elements, creating a pleasing visual contrast. Minor contact marks may be present, as expected in this grade, but they are generally limited to the fields and do not detract from the overall beauty of the design.
The $10 Liberty Head Eagle was introduced in 1838, replacing the earlier Capped Bust design. Christian Gobrecht, who was the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1840 to 1844, designed the Liberty Head motif to represent the nation’s ideals of freedom and democracy. The coin remained in production for nearly 70 years, making it one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history. The $10 Liberty was used extensively in commerce, particularly in large transactions, during the 19th century. It was minted at several different facilities, including the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Denver Mints. The 1894 issue, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is particularly significant because the Philadelphia Mint was the main production facility for U.S. coinage during this period, known for its high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
The mintage of the 1894 $10 Gold Liberty was 70,080, making it a relatively low-mintage issue compared to other dates in the series. While not the rarest date in the Liberty Head Eagle series, the 1894 issue is still sought after by collectors, especially in higher grades like MS62. Gold coins from this era were often heavily circulated, especially in the western United States, where gold coins were preferred over paper currency. As a result, many surviving examples of the 1894 $10 Liberty are found in lower circulated grades. Finding an uncirculated example like this MS62 coin is less common, making it a valuable addition to any collection of U.S. gold coinage.
The Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht is one of the most enduring and beloved in U.S. numismatic history. Gobrecht’s use of classical imagery, particularly the personification of Liberty, reflects the artistic trends of the 19th century while also symbolizing the core values of the United States. The $10 Liberty coin, often referred to as the Eagle, played a significant role in the country’s economic development during a time of expansion and growth. The eagle on the reverse, clutching both olive branches and arrows, symbolizes the country’s readiness for peace but also its preparedness for war, a theme that resonated deeply in the years following the Civil War and throughout the Reconstruction era.
The Certified 1894 $10 Gold Liberty, graded MS62 by NGC, is an exceptional example of this classic American gold coin. Its well-preserved condition, sharp details, and historical significance make it a valuable piece for collectors of 19th-century U.S. coinage. The MS62 grade reflects the coin’s near-perfect state, with only minor imperfections that are typical of this grade. With its beautiful design and connection to a pivotal time in American history, the 1894 $10 Liberty is a coin that appeals to both collectors and investors. Whether acquired for its historical value, investment potential, or aesthetic appeal, this coin is a remarkable piece of America’s numismatic legacy.