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The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1903-S MS63 PCGS CAC is a well-preserved and highly desirable specimen from one of the most iconic series in pre-1933 U.S. gold coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this example combines sharp detail, strong luster, and relatively few contact marks, earning it a Mint State 63 grade from PCGS—one of the most trusted third-party grading services. Even more significantly, it has been awarded the CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) green sticker, a hallmark of superior quality within its grade range. For collectors and investors alike, this coin represents an exceptional blend of beauty, scarcity, and historical importance within the classic Liberty Head eagle series.
The $10 Liberty Head eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht and first introduced in 1838. The design endured with only minor modifications until 1907. Gobrecht's design on the obverse features a left-facing Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars representing the original colonies encircle her portrait, with the date placed just below the neckline. On this 1903-S example, the strike is well-executed, with all elements of Liberty's hair and coronet crisp and fully rendered. The surfaces show minimal abrasions and are bathed in vibrant luster that enhances the coin’s visual appeal. These features justify its lofty Mint State 63 grade and help it meet the CAC’s stringent quality standards.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right—symbols of military readiness and peace. Above the eagle, a scroll bearing the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs gracefully. Surrounding the central design are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN D.” denoting the coin’s denomination. On the 1903-S, the “S” mintmark is located just below the eagle. The reverse strike on this example is sharp, particularly in the feathers and shield lines, and it exhibits clean fields and undisturbed devices, further affirming the quality of this CAC-approved MS63 specimen.
The 1903-S $10 Liberty Head eagle had a total mintage of 538,000 coins. While this may appear relatively moderate, the majority of these coins were used heavily in circulation, especially in the western United States, where hard money remained in widespread use longer than in the East. Additionally, many were eventually melted during the 1930s when the U.S. government recalled gold coinage as part of the effort to combat the Great Depression. Consequently, examples in Mint State are significantly scarcer than the original mintage might suggest. MS63 coins with a CAC sticker are particularly rare and highly sought after, as only a fraction of all certified coins meet CAC’s strict visual and technical standards.
This coin’s composition consists of 90% gold and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. gold coins of the period. It has a diameter of 27 millimeters and weighs 16.718 grams, which translates to a net gold content of 0.48375 troy ounces. The presence of copper in the alloy not only enhances durability but also imparts a subtle reddish hue, especially noticeable in coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, known for their distinctive color and generally superior strike quality. This 1903-S coin exhibits attractive, uniform golden-orange toning and strong mint luster, giving it a radiant appearance that complements its technical merits.
Coins graded MS63 represent the upper-middle tier of uncirculated quality. They exhibit full mint luster and are generally well-struck, with only moderate marks or abrasions visible under magnification. For a coin that is now over 120 years old, achieving such a grade is a testament to both careful preservation and fortunate survival. The CAC endorsement adds further value, indicating that the coin stands out among others at the same grade level. For many collectors, CAC approval is a sign of excellence, and such coins often sell at a premium in the marketplace due to their added assurance of quality and eye appeal.
The San Francisco Mint, where this coin was struck, played a key role in U.S. coin production during the gold rush era and into the early 20th century. Located close to the rich goldfields of California and Nevada, the San Francisco Mint was responsible for striking much of the gold coinage that circulated in the Western United States. Coins from the “S” mint are often well-struck and display above-average surface quality. The 1903-S $10 eagle is no exception, and its combination of low relative mintage, Western provenance, and attractive condition makes it especially desirable among Liberty Head collectors and type set builders.
The early 1900s marked a transitional period in U.S. coinage. While the Liberty Head eagle design was still being struck in 1903, changes were already underway that would culminate in the redesign of American coinage under the artistic direction of President Theodore Roosevelt and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. By 1907, the Liberty Head design would be retired in favor of the far more modern Indian Head eagle. The 1903-S therefore stands as one of the final issues in a long-running and beloved series, bridging the classical style of the 19th century with the bold innovations of the 20th. It offers collectors a direct connection to this pivotal era of transformation in American coinage.
For the numismatist or investor seeking a coin that combines historical richness, certified quality, and investment potential, the 1903-S $10 Liberty Head eagle in MS63 condition with CAC approval is an exceptional choice. It offers excellent value relative to higher-graded examples while still maintaining the visual charm and technical precision that make it a standout. Whether included in a type set of U.S. gold eagles, a San Francisco Mint collection, or a broader pre-1933 gold portfolio, this coin holds lasting appeal. Its dual certification by PCGS and CAC ensures confidence in authenticity and quality, helping to preserve its numismatic and financial value for generations to come.
The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1903-S MS63 PCGS CAC represents a combination of aesthetic beauty, sound preservation, and historical relevance. Its radiant luster, detailed strike, and minimal contact marks make it a top-tier example of the Liberty Head eagle series. Collectors looking to acquire a high-end piece from the San Francisco Mint era, especially one backed by both PCGS and CAC, will find in this coin a superior and satisfying addition to their collection. With its strong eye appeal and scarcity in premium certified grades, it embodies both the artistry and durability of classic American coinage.