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The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1879 MS63 PCGS is a striking example of late 19th-century American gold coinage and represents a transitional moment in U.S. monetary history. Struck during the height of the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, this coin emerges from a time of renewed confidence in gold-backed currency. With a PCGS-assigned grade of Mint State 63, this Liberty Head eagle is a true gem-quality survivor, boasting full luster, minimal contact marks, and strong visual appeal. The 1879 issue belongs to a long-running series designed by Christian Gobrecht, whose influence shaped much of the classic American coinage of the 19th century. This particular example, encased in a secure PCGS holder, demonstrates both superior preservation and timeless beauty.
The $10 Liberty Head eagle, also known as the Coronet Head eagle, was minted from 1838 to 1907. It served as one of the principal gold coins of the United States and was primarily used in large commercial transactions, particularly in the West and South where gold was a favored medium of exchange. Gobrecht’s design emphasized classic neoclassical aesthetics, portraying Liberty as a noble figure with Greco-Roman features. The design was unchanged throughout the series' run, save for the addition of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the reverse beginning in 1866, which was prompted by increased religious sentiment following the Civil War. The 1879 issue bears this motto and reflects the full maturity of the design.
The obverse of the 1879 $10 gold eagle features a left-facing bust of Liberty, crowned with a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Her hair is styled in an elegant bun, with soft curls trailing down her neck. Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, encircle the portrait, with the date “1879” placed below. In this Mint State 63 example, Liberty’s facial features, the coronet inscription, and the hair details are sharply struck. The coin retains strong cartwheel luster across the obverse fields, with only minimal, well-dispersed contact marks visible under magnification—well within expectations for the grade and undistracting to the naked eye.
The reverse displays an equally well-executed heraldic eagle, with a shield covering its chest and wings spread wide. In its left talon, the eagle holds three arrows, symbolizing military preparedness, while the right talon clasps an olive branch, representing peace. Above the eagle’s head, the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on a flowing ribbon, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN D.” surround the outer rim. On this MS63 coin, the reverse die strike is notably bold, showing fine details in the feathers, shield, and talons. The golden surfaces shimmer with brilliance, and the design is framed by a reeded edge typical of the denomination.
The 1879 $10 Liberty was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced a total of 1,830,050 eagles that year. While this mintage is relatively high for the series, most were released directly into commerce and saw extensive circulation, resulting in heavy attrition over time. Only a small percentage survived in Mint State condition, and even fewer have achieved a grade of MS63 or better. The high mintage figure includes a substantial number of coins that were later exported or melted during subsequent economic cycles, further reducing the pool of available high-grade specimens. Consequently, Mint State survivors certified by PCGS are increasingly sought after by collectors and gold type set builders alike.
The coin’s composition is 90% gold and 10% copper, yielding a total weight of 16.718 grams and a net gold content of 0.48375 troy ounces. With a diameter of 27 millimeters, the $10 Liberty Head eagle commands attention with its substantial size and weight, offering a satisfying heft in the hand. This intrinsic value, coupled with its numismatic significance, makes the 1879 gold eagle an appealing option for both bullion investors and traditional collectors. The reddish hue imparted by the copper alloy is often visible around the rims and devices, giving the coin a warm, vintage appearance.
PCGS’s Mint State 63 grade is awarded to coins that show full mint luster with only moderate contact marks and no major detracting features. For a coin of this size and age, an MS63 is considered a high grade, especially for a non-prooflike Philadelphia Mint issue. Most of the luster remains uninterrupted, and the strike is generally full or near full across all design elements. Eye appeal at this grade is strong, with good visual balance between clean fields, bright luster, and sharp relief. The secure encapsulation in a PCGS holder also ensures protection and authenticity, and the coin’s certification number can be used to verify its provenance and grading details.
The 1879 issue marks a period of increasing trust in the American monetary system following the economic turmoil of the Civil War and the Panic of 1873. It was during this time that gold coinage reemerged in broader circulation, particularly in urban centers and financial institutions. The Philadelphia Mint, as the nation's original mint and most advanced coining facility at the time, was tasked with producing the majority of the country’s gold eagles. Coins from this era reflect the Mint’s improved coining technology and high standards of die preparation, particularly evident in higher-grade specimens like this one.
Collectors value the 1879 $10 Liberty both as a type coin and as a representative of the post-war economic revival. The year itself is not a key date in the series, which means that acquiring a higher-grade coin like this MS63 is feasible for many collectors without venturing into the prohibitive pricing range of true rarities. For those assembling a complete Liberty Head eagle set, the 1879 issue provides a desirable middle ground of availability and quality. Meanwhile, for type collectors who want one superb example from the series, this coin delivers classic beauty, gold content, and historic depth.
The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1879 MS63 PCGS is a standout piece that combines technical excellence, historical resonance, and timeless design. With sharp details, vibrant luster, and minimal signs of handling, this coin exemplifies the artistic and mechanical capabilities of the U.S. Mint in the late 19th century. Its high certification by PCGS affirms its condition and desirability, making it a compelling choice for serious collectors, investors, and historians of American coinage. Whether as part of a gold type set or as a stand-alone centerpiece, this Liberty Head eagle endures as a tribute to the nation's golden heritage and enduring ideals.