Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1893-S MS62+ PCGS

The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1893-S MS62+ PCGS is a notable example from the later years of the long-running Liberty Head Eagle series, combining the elegance of Christian Gobrecht’s classic design with the added appeal of a better-date San Francisco Mint issue. Graded Mint State 62+ by PCGS, this coin stands just above the typical MS62 designation, offering superior eye appeal, slightly better strike, or luster that pushes it to the high end of its grade range. As a product of the San Francisco Mint, the 1893-S carries the historical weight of the American West, where gold coins were widely used and circulated, making high-grade survivors like this one both scarce and desirable.

The $10 Liberty Head, also known as the Coronet Head Eagle, was minted from 1838 through 1907, making it one of the longest-running gold coin designs in American history. Christian Gobrecht, who served as the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, created the design, which is grounded in classical aesthetics and patriotic symbolism. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse shows a powerful eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch, and includes the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the eagle. This reverse was adopted in 1866, and coins after that date carry the motto, reflecting the country’s post-Civil War sentiment.

The obverse of the 1893-S Liberty Head eagle features strong design elements with well-defined hair strands, coronet details, and bold facial features. On this MS62+ example, the fields exhibit pleasing luster with only minor abrasions and contact marks, typical of the grade but fewer in number and severity than seen on standard MS62 pieces. The stars around Liberty’s portrait are crisp, and the date “1893” at the bottom of the coin is bold and well-centered. The coin's surfaces reflect the characteristic orange-gold hue of 19th-century gold alloys, with natural patina that further confirms its originality.

The reverse of the coin presents the heraldic eagle in full glory, its wings outstretched and feathers clearly delineated. The olive branch in the eagle’s right talon and the arrows in its left signify the United States’ desire for peace but readiness for war. Above the eagle’s head is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which appears on a flowing ribbon. Surrounding the central design are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN D.” At the bottom, just above the denomination, is the mintmark “S,” indicating the San Francisco Mint. The eagle's features are strong, the shield is clear and detailed, and the overall design exhibits minimal wear and commendable strike precision for a coin of this era.

The 1893-S had a total mintage of 196,000 pieces, making it one of the more limited production runs among the Liberty Head eagle issues in the 1890s. While not the lowest mintage in the series, the 1893-S is considered a better date due to the relative scarcity of Mint State survivors. Most examples saw extensive use in commerce, particularly in the western United States, where gold coins remained in heavy circulation. As a result, many surviving coins are in circulated grades, and examples in Mint State—especially MS62 and above—are difficult to find and command significant premiums in the numismatic market.

Coins from the San Francisco Mint, especially gold denominations, are highly collectible due to the region’s historic association with the California Gold Rush and westward expansion. The 1893-S represents a continuation of the San Francisco Mint’s tradition of producing high-quality coinage that served the economic needs of a rapidly growing region. The mint’s strategic role in supplying hard currency to the western states added to the wear rates of these coins, as they were often used in trade and banking. Thus, finding such a well-preserved example from this mint is an achievement that reflects careful storage and a lucky survival.

The $10 Liberty Head eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, with a gross weight of 16.718 grams and a net gold content of 0.48375 troy ounces. Its 27 mm diameter gives it a bold presence in any collection, and its reeded edge and classic design elements make it a favorite among collectors of U.S. type gold. The copper alloy added durability but also contributed to occasional red-gold toning over time, especially on coins that were not aggressively cleaned or dipped—an attractive feature for collectors who prize originality.

The PCGS MS62+ grade indicates a coin that is superior to a typical MS62 but not quite at the full MS63 level. These “plus” grades are valuable to collectors and investors who seek strong eye appeal and above-average quality without paying the premium often required for the next full grade. A coin that earns a “plus” designation from PCGS exhibits better-than-average luster, reduced bag marks, or stronger-than-typical strike for the grade. This 1893-S gold eagle stands out within its grade and would be a choice selection for collectors aiming to assemble a high-grade set or a standout gold type coin.

As an early 1890s issue, the 1893-S also intersects with a pivotal era in U.S. economic history. It was minted during the lead-up to the Panic of 1893, one of the worst financial crises in American history. Gold coins were hoarded, withdrawn from banks, or melted during the economic downturn, and the financial instability of the time resulted in reduced survival rates for many gold issues. Consequently, any Mint State survivor from this year carries added historical weight, having endured through one of America’s most turbulent financial periods intact.

The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1893-S MS62+ PCGS embodies the lasting appeal of American gold coinage, reflecting the strength and artistry of U.S. Mint craftsmanship during the late 19th century. With its high-end grade, desirable mintmark, and strong historical associations, this coin offers exceptional value to collectors and investors alike. It serves not only as a tangible piece of gold bullion but also as a cultural artifact from a time when gold underpinned the U.S. monetary system. For those seeking a better-date, high-quality example of the Liberty Head eagle series, this 1893-S specimen delivers rarity, beauty, and prestige in equal measure.