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The Certified $10 Gold Indian 1910-D MS61 NGC represents a distinguished example of early 20th-century American coinage and stands as a vital piece of the $10 Indian Head Eagle series. Struck at the Denver Mint in 1910, this coin is part of one of the most artistically revered designs in U.S. history, originally conceived by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt. Graded Mint State 61 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), the coin maintains its original mint state status, displaying uncirculated surfaces with moderate marks or abrasions consistent with the assigned grade, and represents an appealing entry point into the series for collectors and investors alike.
The Indian Head Eagle design was introduced in 1907 and was intended to revolutionize the aesthetic of American coinage. Roosevelt sought to reflect the greatness of the nation in its money, and Saint-Gaudens delivered a design that broke sharply with the neoclassical motifs of earlier U.S. coins. The obverse features a striking left-facing bust of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The headdress is detailed with feathers and sits gracefully atop her head, blending classical beauty with indigenous American symbolism. Encircling Liberty are 13 stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1910” placed below the neckline. The Denver Mint’s “D” mintmark is discreetly positioned just to the left of the arrows on the reverse.
The reverse of the coin features a majestic bald eagle standing on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, signifying both military strength and a desire for peace. Above the eagle’s head is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” while to its right is the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST,” a phrase absent from the original 1907 coins but added later due to public pressure. The upper rim bears the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and the denomination “TEN DOLLARS” is inscribed at the bottom. The reverse, with its compact yet dynamic layout, reflects Saint-Gaudens’s sculptural mastery and classical training. The entire design is bold, emblematic, and steeped in national identity.
The 1910-D Indian Head Eagle was struck at the Denver Mint, one of only three mints (along with Philadelphia and San Francisco) to produce the $10 Indian coin. The total mintage for the 1910-D issue was 193,000, a relatively modest figure in the broader context of U.S. coin production. While the number of coins struck is not extremely low, surviving Mint State specimens are scarcer than mintage numbers might suggest, particularly in grades above MS62. This scarcity is due in part to heavy circulation and later government meltings, especially after the 1933 gold recall under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which led to the destruction of millions of gold coins held by banks and the public.
Graded MS61 by NGC, this example retains full uncirculated status, meaning it exhibits no wear from circulation. At this grade, one can expect moderate marks or abrasions from the minting process and bag handling, particularly in the open fields and on high points of the design. Despite this, the coin maintains good overall eye appeal, with luster still present across much of the surface. Details such as the feathers in Liberty’s headdress and the texture of the eagle’s plumage remain defined, and the coin’s surfaces have not been tampered with or cleaned—critical for preserving value and authenticity.
NGC’s encapsulation ensures that the coin is protected in a secure, sonically sealed holder that verifies its authenticity and grade. As one of the most reputable third-party grading services, NGC provides collectors and investors with confidence in their acquisition. The MS61 grade places this coin at the more accessible end of Mint State examples, making it a strategic acquisition for collectors building a complete set of $10 Indians or for those seeking a historically significant pre-1933 U.S. gold coin at a more affordable price point.
The $10 Indian Head series ran from 1907 to 1933 and is widely regarded as one of the high points of American coin design. Its sculptural quality, innovative motifs, and Rooseveltian inspiration make it a collector favorite. Coins from this series are highly sought after not only for their beauty but also for their historical importance as part of Roosevelt’s “Renaissance of American Coinage.” The 1910-D is notable among these issues for being one of the relatively few Denver Mint issues, and while not the rarest, it is significantly less common in Mint State than its Philadelphia counterpart from the same year.
Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the 1910-D Indian Eagle weighs 16.718 grams and contains 0.48375 troy ounces of pure gold. This intrinsic gold value underpins the coin’s market demand, particularly among those who wish to combine tangible gold investment with numismatic potential. However, its value far exceeds melt due to the collectibility of the series and its certified Mint State grade. MS61 coins serve as an ideal bridge between circulated specimens and gem-quality examples, offering affordability with the visual appeal of uncirculated detail.
From a historical standpoint, this coin is a symbol of a transformative period in American art and politics. It was minted at a time when the U.S. was asserting itself on the global stage, both economically and militarily. The artistic quality of the $10 Indian Eagle remains a testament to Saint-Gaudens’s influence and Roosevelt’s visionary leadership. Collecting such coins is not only a pursuit of beauty and rarity but also a way to own a piece of a dynamic and ambitious chapter of U.S. history.
In conclusion, the Certified $10 Gold Indian 1910-D MS61 NGC offers a compelling blend of artistry, historical value, and investment potential. With its bold design, relatively limited mintage, and authenticated Mint State status, it stands as a smart acquisition for collectors seeking pre-1933 U.S. gold. Whether as part of a type set, an Indian Eagle date run, or a curated gold portfolio, this coin embodies the enduring appeal of America’s golden age of coinage and the timeless legacy of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s artistic genius.