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The Certified $10 Gold Indian 1913 MS63 NGC is an outstanding example of one of America’s most celebrated and artistically significant gold coin designs. Struck during the height of the early 20th-century renaissance in U.S. coinage, the Indian Head eagle of 1913 reflects the artistic influence of famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the reformist vision of President Theodore Roosevelt. The 1913 issue, certified in Mint State 63 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), showcases a well-struck design, pleasing luster, and only light signs of contact, placing it firmly in the choice uncirculated category. This grade offers collectors a strong combination of visual quality and historical importance at an accessible level of investment.
The Indian Head $10 eagle was introduced in 1907 and produced until 1933. It represented a dramatic departure from the more classical Liberty Head designs that had defined 19th-century coinage. President Roosevelt, seeking to elevate American coinage to the level of great European art, commissioned Saint-Gaudens to redesign the nation’s gold denominations. The resulting $10 Indian is a masterpiece of numismatic art, embodying a bold new style and reflecting the shift in American cultural identity toward a stronger, more dynamic expression. The 1913 issue is among the middle-year strikes in this series and benefits from advancements in striking quality that occurred after the initial high-relief problems were resolved.
The obverse of the coin features a powerful and stylized left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American feathered war bonnet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY” along the band. Thirteen stars arch above her head, representing the original thirteen colonies, while the date “1913” appears below. This design was unusual in its time for depicting Liberty in Native American regalia—a decision that blended classical symbolism with a uniquely American cultural reference. On this MS63 example, Liberty's profile is sharply defined, the stars are crisp, and the fields retain a pleasing satiny sheen. A few minor abrasions typical of the grade are visible under magnification but do not distract from the coin’s strong overall appeal.
The reverse depicts a majestic standing eagle perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch—symbols of readiness for war and peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” flank the eagle, while the denomination “TEN DOLLARS” anchors the lower rim. Above the eagle is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which was added in 1908 after public outcry over its initial omission in the series' first year. On this example, the reverse strike is bold, with the eagle’s feathers, talons, and arrows clearly delineated. The surfaces show minimal chatter, consistent with the MS63 designation, and the golden hue of the coin is both vibrant and attractive, with subtle toning that enhances its depth.
The 1913 $10 Indian Head eagle was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, meaning no mintmark appears on the coin. That year saw a total mintage of 442,000 pieces, which places it in the mid-range for the series. However, attrition over time, especially due to circulation and melting during the 1930s, has greatly reduced the number of surviving high-grade specimens. While lower-grade circulated examples are relatively available, Mint State coins are considerably scarcer, and those in MS63 and above are particularly desirable to collectors seeking coins that exhibit both originality and high visual quality. As one of the better-preserved survivors, this NGC-certified MS63 piece is a fine representative of the issue.
The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, with a diameter of 27 millimeters and a total weight of 16.718 grams, containing 0.48375 troy ounces of pure gold. The addition of copper gives the coin greater durability and a slightly orange or reddish tint, especially evident on well-preserved examples. This particular coin exhibits strong luster with a frosty texture across the fields and devices. The coloration is even and natural, without signs of cleaning or tampering, which enhances both its aesthetic and market value. The originality of its surfaces is a key factor in earning a solid Mint State 63 from NGC, a grading company known for its consistency and strict standards.
The MS63 grade is a strong threshold in the market for early 20th-century U.S. gold. Coins at this level are well struck and fully lustrous, showing only moderate marks in secondary areas. They offer collectors the beauty and detail of higher-grade coins at a lower price point, making them ideal for building a high-quality type set or completing a date run of the series. The Indian Head design, with its incuse (sunken) elements, is especially prone to wear and contact marks, so an MS63 example stands out for its careful handling and limited exposure over time. This grade represents an excellent balance between affordability and quality.
The 1913 date falls into a relatively stable period of U.S. economic history, just before the First World War and during the final years of the classical gold standard. Gold coins such as this circulated primarily in international trade and banking institutions rather than in daily commerce. The Philadelphia Mint, as the central hub of U.S. coinage, maintained high production standards, and its 1913 eagles are known for sharp strikes and clean surfaces. This particular piece reflects that legacy with its strong detail and fine finish, showcasing the skill of Mint engravers and technicians during the period.
Numismatically, the $10 Indian series is one of the most collected among early U.S. gold issues. Its distinctive design, historical significance, and relatively short production run make it a popular target for collectors. The 1913 issue is especially attractive due to its strong strikes, moderate mintage, and survival in Mint State. A certified MS63 example from NGC brings confidence in authenticity and grade, while the coin's overall eye appeal and preservation make it a sound addition to any portfolio or collection focused on pre-1933 gold or iconic U.S. coinage.
The Certified $10 Gold Indian 1913 MS63 NGC is an ideal choice for collectors seeking a high-grade, investment-quality example of one of America’s most admired coin designs. It offers exceptional artistry, historical depth, and tangible value, all wrapped into a well-struck and handsomely preserved gold piece. Whether as part of a complete Indian Head eagle set or as a standalone highlight in a gold type collection, this coin stands out for its balance of rarity, beauty, and certification by a top-tier grading authority. It is a tangible link to the golden era of American coinage and a shining tribute to the artistic vision that reshaped the U.S. monetary landscape in the early 20th century.