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The Certified US Gold $10 Liberty 1843 XF45 PCGS is a remarkable survivor from a formative era in American coinage. Struck at a time when the United States was still in its economic and territorial expansion, this coin represents a critical link in the history of U.S. gold currency. The Liberty Head Eagle, often referred to as the Coronet Head Eagle, was first introduced in 1838 and remained in production until 1907. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty $10 Gold Eagle was the first version of the denomination struck in quantity since the late 18th century. The 1843 issue captures both the optimism and challenges of the era in a solid gold format, combining historical significance with numismatic appeal.
The Liberty Head design was created to replace the Capped Bust motif and was part of a larger movement to standardize and modernize U.S. coinage. Gobrecht’s depiction of Liberty features a classic Greco-Roman profile, dignified and composed, crowned with a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The design’s simplicity and elegance mirrored the values of stability and progress that were central to American ideals during the 19th century. The Liberty Head $10 gold coin would remain largely unchanged for nearly 70 years, a testament to its enduring aesthetic and practicality for commerce and banking.
The obverse of the 1843 $10 Liberty Eagle features the aforementioned portrait of Liberty facing left, her hair tied in a bun with ringlets cascading down her neck. Thirteen stars representing the original colonies encircle her head, and the date “1843” is positioned directly beneath the bust. The layout is balanced and uncluttered, focusing attention on Liberty’s classical features and the symbolism of national unity. In the XF45 grade, much of the fine detail in Liberty’s hair and coronet remains visible, though the high points show moderate wear. The stars and date are bold and clearly defined, adding to the coin’s aesthetic integrity.
The reverse design complements the obverse with a bold and majestic eagle motif. The eagle is shown with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left—symbols of peace and military preparedness. A shield covers the eagle’s breast, signifying protection and national strength. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches across the top of the rim, while “TEN D.” is engraved below the eagle. This layout creates a powerful visual representation of American strength and sovereignty. In XF45 condition, the feathers in the wings and legs are still partially defined, and the shield retains considerable detail, though some softness in the finer lines is evident from circulation wear.
The 1843 $10 Liberty was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which at the time was the primary production facility for federal coinage. Unlike later years, 1843 did not see branch mint production of the $10 Liberty Eagle from all operating mints, making the Philadelphia issue one of the more widely distributed of its time. The mintage for this date totaled 75,462 pieces, a relatively modest number by today’s standards. Many of these coins were used extensively in circulation or melted down in later years, resulting in a much smaller surviving population. Examples in Extra Fine condition, such as this one graded XF45 by PCGS, are significantly scarcer than lower-grade circulated pieces.
Coins from this era were minted primarily for use in domestic commerce and banking, especially in the growing network of state-chartered and national banks that required dependable hard currency. The $10 denomination made the coin especially useful for large transactions and institutional use, which also contributed to the extensive wear seen on surviving examples. The relatively few coins that escaped heavy circulation—particularly those preserved in grades approaching or at XF—are now considered important collectibles.
The gold content of the 1843 $10 Liberty coin is approximately 0.4838 troy ounces, with a purity of 90% gold and 10% copper. This alloy was standard for U.S. gold coinage of the era, designed to give the coin durability while retaining high intrinsic value. The reddish tint imparted by the copper alloy gives the coin a warm, aged appearance. The surfaces of an XF45 example like this one typically exhibit even wear across both sides, with no major gouges, scratches, or cleaning that would detract from the overall appearance. PCGS encapsulation confirms the authenticity and grade of the coin, ensuring confidence for collectors and investors alike.
The XF45 grade, or Extremely Fine 45, is a high circulated grade and indicates a coin that has seen moderate wear but retains sharpness in many of its features. On this example, Liberty’s coronet and hair strands remain clear, with only the highest points showing softening. The eagle on the reverse still displays visible detail in the feathers and shield. Surfaces are usually free from any serious damage or corrosion and may show a light patina consistent with careful storage over many decades. The overall eye appeal of the coin remains strong, and in a series where heavy circulation is the norm, XF45 is a highly collectible and respectable grade.
PCGS certification adds another layer of desirability and trustworthiness to this coin. As one of the premier third-party grading services, PCGS offers a reliable and standardized grading system recognized worldwide. Coins encapsulated by PCGS are guaranteed for authenticity and grade, which is particularly important when dealing with high-value 19th-century gold issues that are often subject to counterfeiting or cleaning attempts. The slab also protects the coin from environmental harm, preserving its condition for future generations.
For collectors assembling a date set or type collection of Liberty Head gold coins, the 1843 issue represents a key mid-19th-century entry. Its relatively low mintage, historical context, and artistic merit all contribute to its importance. In XF45, it offers a pleasing balance between affordability and preservation, allowing collectors to enjoy a well-detailed example without entering the significantly higher price tiers of AU or Mint State grades. It is especially appealing for those who appreciate coins with honest wear and original surfaces that tell a story of circulation and use in everyday American life.
The Certified US Gold $10 Liberty 1843 XF45 PCGS stands as a tangible piece of American monetary history. It reflects the craftsmanship of Christian Gobrecht, the economic realities of 19th-century commerce, and the enduring value of precious metal coinage. With its solid eye appeal, excellent preservation for the grade, and strong historical provenance, this coin is not only a desirable collectible but also a timeless artifact of the nation’s economic heritage. Whether acquired for investment, appreciation of classic design, or as part of a larger collection, this 1843 Eagle remains a cornerstone of pre-Civil War U.S. coinage.