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The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1905 MS63 PCGS CAC is a superbly preserved example of late-classic U.S. gold coinage, offering both aesthetic beauty and historical depth. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of economic strength and monetary stability in the United States, this coin stands out not only for its Mint State 63 grade assigned by PCGS but also for earning the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) sticker, a prestigious endorsement of premium quality within the grade. Collectors prize this combination for its assurance of both authenticity and superior eye appeal, setting the coin apart from others in the same numeric grade. It is an outstanding choice for anyone assembling a type set or focusing on Liberty Head eagles.
The Liberty Head $10 gold eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht and first issued in 1838. The design remained in continuous use until 1907, when it was replaced by Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ celebrated Indian Head eagle. Throughout its long lifespan, the Liberty Head design remained largely unchanged, showcasing the enduring appeal of neoclassical artistry in American coinage. Gobrecht's depiction of Liberty with a coronet, surrounded by stars, was both symbolic and functional—projecting the values of republican virtue and national unity. The 1905 issue represents one of the final years of this venerable series, offering collectors a connection to the last phase of 19th-century coin design before the artistic renaissance of the early 20th century began.
The obverse of the 1905 $10 Liberty Head eagle features Liberty facing left, her hair tied in a bun with detailed curls flowing down her neck. She wears a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” and thirteen stars representing the original colonies encircle her profile. The date “1905” is sharply struck at the bottom. On this PCGS MS63 example, Liberty’s features are bold and well-articulated, and the fields exhibit rich luster and minimal abrasions. The coin’s eye appeal is especially strong for its grade, as evidenced by the CAC green bean sticker, which affirms that this particular coin is high-end for its assigned grade and meets strict standards for quality and visual excellence.
The reverse of the coin shows a heraldic eagle with wings spread wide, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A shield adorns the eagle’s chest, and above its head appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a flowing ribbon. Encircling the central motif are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN D.” The strike is bold, and on this piece, the eagle’s feathers, talons, and shield lines are crisply defined. The coin’s surface maintains its original mint luster with attractive golden toning typical of Philadelphia Mint issues from the early 20th century. No mintmark is present, confirming its origin at the main U.S. Mint facility in Philadelphia.
In 1905, the Philadelphia Mint struck 844,000 Liberty Head eagles. Although this mintage was moderate, the attrition rate over the ensuing century was significant. Many of these coins saw active circulation, while others were lost to the melting pot, especially during the U.S. government’s gold recall in the 1930s. As a result, high-grade survivors such as this MS63 example are much scarcer than the mintage might suggest. Furthermore, only a portion of MS63s are truly high-end for the grade—making this CAC-approved piece even more desirable for quality-conscious collectors.
The $10 Liberty Head eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, with a gross weight of 16.718 grams and containing 0.48375 troy ounces of pure gold. The copper content adds durability and imparts a distinctive warm hue to the coin’s surface, which can range from rich yellow to reddish-gold. This particular piece exhibits a uniform golden sheen and strong cartwheel luster that rotates evenly when tilted under light. Its well-preserved surfaces and eye-catching luster make it a standout among Mint State examples, especially for a coin that predates the 20th-century emphasis on collecting uncirculated coins directly from banks or the Mint.
MS63 is a sought-after grade for pre-1933 U.S. gold, often offering an ideal balance between affordability and visual appeal. Coins at this level display full mint luster, relatively clean surfaces, and sharp detail. The “63” designation allows for some minor marks or ticks, primarily in non-focal areas, but overall the coin must remain attractive and unblemished to the unaided eye. With the added CAC verification, this coin has passed an additional layer of scrutiny for quality within its grade, reinforcing its collectibility and liquidity on the numismatic market. CAC-approved gold coins consistently command premium values and are favored by serious collectors and investors alike.
The Liberty Head eagle was widely used in domestic and international commerce during its production run. By the early 20th century, the United States was firmly on the gold standard, and $10 gold pieces were crucial components of the nation’s monetary base. These coins were often stored in bank vaults or exported to settle international debts. Philadelphia, as the primary mint of the United States, produced coins that were widely distributed and generally exhibited high production quality. This 1905 issue reflects that reputation, with its precise strike and attractive finish testifying to the Mint’s skill in the years leading up to America’s entry into the modern era of coin design.
The historical backdrop of 1905 adds further interest to this coin. The early 20th century was a time of great change in the United States, with rising industrialization, increased immigration, and the nation’s emergence as a global power. President Theodore Roosevelt, inaugurated in 1901, was a key proponent of improving the beauty of U.S. coinage, a vision that would soon lead to the redesign of America’s gold and silver coins. The 1905 Liberty Head eagle thus stands at the threshold between the utilitarian coinage of the 19th century and the more artistically ambitious designs of the early 20th century. It represents both an end and a beginning in the evolution of American coinage.
The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1905 MS63 PCGS CAC is a top-tier acquisition for collectors of classic U.S. gold. It combines the rich legacy of the Liberty Head series with the prestige of PCGS grading and CAC approval, signaling superior quality and enduring value. With its excellent preservation, brilliant luster, and refined strike, it appeals to both traditional numismatists and modern investors. As demand for high-quality pre-1933 U.S. gold continues to rise, coins like this 1905 Liberty Head eagle offer the perfect blend of history, artistry, and tangible wealth, making it a wise and rewarding addition to any advanced collection.