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- Product ID: 56008
The Certified $10 Gold Indian 1910-D MS64 NGC is a stunning near-gem example from one of the most artistically revered series in American numismatics. Graded Mint State 64 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin is part of the Indian Head eagle series designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and struck between 1907 and 1933. The 1910-D issue, produced at the Denver Mint, is a relatively low-mintage coin with limited high-grade survivors, making this certified MS64 specimen a premium choice for collectors seeking both quality and historical value. Its bold imagery, brilliant luster, and scarce preservation highlight the golden era of U.S. coinage reform and artistic innovation.
The obverse features Saint-Gaudens’ acclaimed left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American feathered headdress inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Above the portrait are thirteen six-pointed stars symbolizing the original colonies, and the date “1910” is clearly presented at the base. In MS64 condition, this example retains a strong, crisp strike with excellent definition in the feathers, facial features, and star points. The fields exhibit vibrant mint luster, often with a satiny or slightly frosty texture. Contact marks are minimal and confined to small areas, not affecting the overall eye appeal that places this coin just below gem-level preservation.
The reverse features a majestic standing eagle perched on a bundle of arrows entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing America’s strength and peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are placed around the eagle, with the denomination “TEN DOLLARS” at the bottom. The “D” mintmark, denoting the Denver Mint, is located to the left of the arrows, subtly integrated into the design. On this MS64 specimen, the reverse detail is fully struck, with feather lines, talons, and bundle elements rendered clearly. The surfaces remain impressively clean, with any abrasions being faint and typical of the MS64 grade.
Struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, the 1910-D Indian Head eagle weighs 16.72 grams and measures 27 millimeters in diameter, containing 0.48375 troy ounces of pure gold. These coins were originally intended for large-scale transactions and reserves, not daily commerce, and the denomination served as an important instrument in both domestic banking and international settlement. The Indian Head design was a major shift in American coinage, reflecting President Theodore Roosevelt’s desire for coins that were not only monetary instruments but also expressions of national art and identity.
The mintage of the 1910-D $10 Indian was just 193,000 coins, a modest output compared to other dates in the series. Although a fair number were saved by collectors and dealers, the survival rate in Mint State is still relatively low. High-grade coins like this MS64 example are considerably scarcer, and few pieces exist in MS65 or higher without commanding significant premiums. NGC population data supports the rarity of such near-gem coins, making the MS64 a particularly attractive acquisition for collectors building a high-grade Indian Head eagle date set or pursuing conditionally rare Denver Mint issues.
NGC’s MS64 designation guarantees a coin with no wear, a sharp strike, and above-average eye appeal. Coins in this grade will show minor contact marks or surface hairlines, often only noticeable under magnification, and will maintain strong mint luster and clear definition. For many collectors, MS64 offers the ideal balance of high aesthetic quality and relative affordability when compared to gem MS65 pieces, which are exponentially rarer for this date. The 1910-D MS64 is a collector-grade coin that reflects both technical excellence and classic artistry.
Visually, the 1910-D in MS64 typically exhibits a rich yellow-gold hue with possible undertones of orange or rose, depending on the original planchet alloy and storage history. The coin’s large format allows the design to display in full grandeur, with Liberty’s headdress and the eagle’s majestic posture commanding attention. Mint luster on both sides creates a cartwheel effect when rotated under light, and the smooth, minimally marked surfaces add to the coin’s premium visual appeal. The Denver Mint’s quality control in 1910 was high, and this example displays all the strength and sharpness typical of coins from that facility.
Historically, 1910 was part of the Progressive Era in the United States—a time of reform, modernization, and national ambition. Saint-Gaudens' design, completed posthumously by his assistant, brought classical influence and modern elegance to American coinage. The inclusion of a Native American headdress on Liberty’s profile and the commanding eagle on the reverse reflect Roosevelt’s desire for a uniquely American aesthetic, one grounded in heritage and strength. The Denver Mint, opened in 1906, was still a relatively new branch and was tasked with producing significant gold issues for distribution across the rapidly growing western states.
Today, the Certified $10 Gold Indian 1910-D MS64 NGC is a prize for numismatists seeking superior examples from the Indian Head eagle series. Its combination of low mintage, artistic distinction, and high-grade preservation makes it an essential coin for advanced U.S. gold type collections. As pre-1933 gold coinage continues to attract attention for its intrinsic metal value and historical importance, certified MS64 examples like this 1910-D offer the confidence of authenticity and lasting desirability. Whether held as an investment, centerpiece in a Denver Mint date run, or appreciated for its design and legacy, the 1910-D MS64 remains a timeless artifact of American numismatic artistry.