Certified $10 Gold Indian 1926 MS62 PCGS Rattler

  • Inventory:
    1 In Stock
  • Product ID: 56912
As low as: $1,903.78
Qty Wire/Check Bitcoin CC/PayPal
Any $1,903.78 $1,922.82 $1,979.93
  • Description:

    The Certified $10 Gold Indian 1926 MS62 PCGS Rattler is a striking example of one of the most iconic and artistic gold coin designs in American history. The $10 Indian Head Eagle, designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century U.S. numismatics. This particular specimen, graded Mint State 62 by PCGS and encapsulated in an early-generation “Rattler” holder, combines both collector-grade preservation and vintage certification appeal. Coins in Rattler holders—issued by PCGS from 1986 to around 1989—are valued for their historical significance in the coin grading world and often attract additional interest from numismatists due to their perceived conservatism in grading standards.

    The $10 Indian series was introduced in 1907 during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, who sought to elevate the artistry of American coinage. Roosevelt commissioned Saint-Gaudens to redesign the $10 and $20 gold pieces, resulting in what many regard as the most beautiful U.S. coins ever produced. The Indian Head Eagle was especially revolutionary because it featured a Native American motif on the obverse—a bold departure from previous depictions of Liberty—and employed high relief and exquisite sculptural detail. The design was not only aesthetically groundbreaking but also a cultural and political statement during an era of American expansion and modernization.

    The obverse of the 1926 $10 Indian Head Eagle presents a left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a Native American feathered war bonnet, inscribed with the word “LIBERTY” across the band. Above Liberty’s head are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, arranged in an arc, with the date “1926” positioned below. In this MS62 specimen, Liberty’s features and the headdress details remain well-defined, though light contact marks in the fields are consistent with the grade. The early PCGS Rattler holder affirms the coin’s originality and solid Mint State quality, as such holders are often associated with coins that might grade higher by modern standards.

    The reverse features a majestic eagle standing proudly on a bundle of arrows, with an olive branch beneath, symbolizing both military readiness and peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” form an arc above, while “TEN DOLLARS” is seen below. On the 1926 issue, as with all post-1908 Indian Eagles, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left of the eagle. The layout is clean, balanced, and distinctly classical, reinforcing the coin’s visual power. This MS62 piece shows strong reverse detail with slight friction on the highest points, though the luster and eye appeal remain attractive.

    The 1926 $10 Indian Head Eagle was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, with a total mintage of 1,014,000 coins. This mintage is among the highest in the series, but the number of surviving Mint State examples is far lower, due in part to the mass melting of gold coins during the 1930s. Under Executive Order 6102 in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt recalled gold coins from the public, and vast quantities of $10 Indians were destroyed. Those that remained were often saved by collectors or stored in banks and Treasury vaults. As a result, the 1926 issue is relatively accessible in circulated and lower Mint State grades, but high-grade and original pieces are always in demand.

    MS62 is a popular grade for the $10 Indian, representing a full Mint State coin with good luster and detail but exhibiting a moderate number of contact marks or abrasions. These may appear in the fields or on the high points of Liberty’s cheek and the eagle’s breast. Nevertheless, an MS62 coin like this still possesses significant visual appeal, and when housed in an original PCGS Rattler holder, it garners added collector interest. Many believe that Rattler-graded coins are more conservatively evaluated compared to modern standards, meaning some may be candidates for regrading or upgrading after careful inspection.

    The PCGS Rattler holder itself is a collectible artifact in the grading community. Used from the company’s inception in 1986 through approximately 1989, these early holders earned the nickname “Rattlers” because the coins inside were slightly loose and could make a faint rattling noise when shaken. Collectors often value these holders not only for their nostalgic appeal but also for their role in the evolution of third-party grading, which revolutionized coin collecting by introducing standardized and impartial certification.

    Coins in Rattler holders can also offer an element of numismatic strategy. Because early grading standards were slightly more conservative, many collectors seek out Rattler coins as potential candidates for higher regrades. This 1926 $10 Indian in MS62 could, upon reevaluation, merit a higher grade by today’s standards, though such outcomes depend on strike sharpness, luster, and absence of distracting marks. Regardless of future grading prospects, the coin’s current presentation provides a strong sense of originality and authenticity valued by traditionalists in the hobby.

    From an investment perspective, $10 Indian Eagles in MS62 strike a favorable balance between affordability and collectibility. Higher-grade examples, particularly MS64 or MS65, command steep premiums, while MS62 coins remain within reach for many collectors. The design’s beauty, the historical resonance of the 1926 issue, and the PCGS certification all combine to make this a smart acquisition for those seeking classic American gold. The coin’s gold content—0.48375 troy ounces of .900 fine gold—also offers intrinsic value, providing an additional layer of security in volatile economic times.

    The 1926 $10 Gold Indian is not only a beautiful artifact but also a symbol of America’s golden age of coinage and artistic ambition. Its preservation in a PCGS Rattler holder affirms its authenticity and places it within an important chapter in numismatic history. With Saint-Gaudens’ timeless design, solid Mint State status, and early certification pedigree, this Certified $10 Gold Indian 1926 MS62 PCGS Rattler is a distinguished and desirable addition to any advanced gold coin collection. It embodies both the spirit of early 20th-century American craftsmanship and the lasting appeal of well-preserved precious metal coinage.

  • Details:
    • Denomination: N/A
    • Year: 1926
    • Diameter: N/A
    • Mint Mark: N/A
    • Thickness: N/A
    • Grade: N/A

Customer reviews