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The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1903-S MS64+ PCGS CAC is an exceptional specimen of late 19th to early 20th century U.S. gold coinage. Struck at the historic San Francisco Mint and graded Mint State 64+ by PCGS, this coin is already considered a near-gem, but its quality is further confirmed by the coveted CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) green sticker. The plus designation from PCGS indicates a coin that sits at the high end of the MS64 grade and flirts with gem status, and the CAC seal ensures that the coin meets strict standards for eye appeal and strike quality. Together, these designations make the 1903-S MS64+ PCGS CAC an elite representative of the Liberty Head eagle series, combining rarity, artistry, and superior preservation.
The Liberty Head eagle, also known as the Coronet Head eagle, was introduced in 1838 and remained in production until 1907. Christian Gobrecht’s neoclassical design features a dignified and serene Liberty facing left, her hair pulled back into a bun and adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars encircle her profile, symbolizing the original colonies, and the date “1903” is neatly placed at the bottom. The design has long been praised for its elegance and balance, a staple of Gobrecht’s style. On this particular coin, Liberty’s portrait is sharply struck, with strong detailing in the curls of her hair and full definition in the stars and coronet. The surfaces gleam with radiant mint luster, and any marks are minute and unobtrusive, affirming its high-end status within the MS64 grade range.
The reverse of the coin features a powerful rendition of the heraldic eagle, which holds arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing the balance of war and peace. A shield covers its chest, while the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on a ribbon above. Surrounding this central motif are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN D.” Just beneath the eagle lies the “S” mintmark, identifying this coin as a product of the San Francisco Mint. The eagle's feathers and shield lines are deeply struck and crisp, while the surrounding legends remain bold and legible. The coin's reverse is nearly flawless, further underscoring its superior preservation and visual harmony.
The San Francisco Mint struck 538,000 Liberty Head $10 eagles in 1903, a moderate mintage by early 20th-century standards. However, far fewer have survived in Mint State, especially in the upper levels of preservation. Gold coins from this era were primarily used in commerce, especially in the western states where paper currency was less trusted, leading to high levels of wear and attrition. Many coins were lost or melted following the gold recall in the 1930s, making high-grade survivors relatively scarce. MS64+ examples with CAC approval are especially rare and command considerable respect among collectors. Only a small fraction of coins graded MS64 by PCGS receive the “plus” designation, and even fewer meet CAC’s high standards.
Made of 90% gold and 10% copper, the 1903-S Liberty Head eagle contains 0.48375 troy ounces of pure gold. The addition of copper gave the coin greater durability for circulation and contributed to its rich color, often with reddish or orange-gold hues typical of San Francisco Mint issues. This example exhibits vibrant golden tones and a full cartwheel luster, particularly attractive under light. The coin's fields are clean and satiny, and the devices stand out in high relief. This exceptional eye appeal is precisely what PCGS rewards with the plus grade and what CAC confirms with its prestigious sticker, placing this example well above the average MS64.
The MS64+ grade represents a significant achievement in numismatic preservation. It indicates a coin that is fully struck and lustrous, with only minimal marks in non-focal areas. At this level, the coin approaches gem quality, and a CAC endorsement means it is among the finest examples available for its grade. Collectors who value top-tier quality often target such pieces because they offer the eye appeal of an MS65 without the hefty price tag. The combination of PCGS grading, the plus designation, and CAC approval makes this coin a standout acquisition that will hold strong demand in the marketplace.
The San Francisco Mint played a central role in American gold coinage throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally established to process California gold during the Gold Rush, the facility became known for its high production quality and distinctive coin finishes. The “S” mintmark evokes a legacy of frontier commerce and economic expansion, especially during the years when gold coins were used daily in banking and business. The 1903-S $10 eagle carries the heritage of that era and offers collectors a tangible connection to the West Coast’s gold-driven history. Its striking quality and survival in such pristine condition further elevate its historical importance.
The Liberty Head design itself reflects a long chapter in American numismatics, bridging the gap between the post-Jacksonian hard money policies and the eventual artistic revolution led by President Theodore Roosevelt. The year 1903 lies near the end of this classic series and just four years before the Liberty Head eagle would be replaced by the Saint-Gaudens Indian Head design. As such, the 1903-S serves as both a culmination and a farewell to the neoclassical design ideals that had dominated U.S. coinage throughout the 19th century. Collecting such a coin is not only an appreciation of numismatic beauty but a tribute to a vanished monetary era.
This coin’s CAC approval means it has been independently reviewed and verified for superior quality within its assigned grade. Coins with CAC stickers frequently trade for significant premiums and are often preferred by high-end collectors and dealers alike. The presence of the green sticker guarantees a coin that is accurately graded and highly appealing, free of distracting flaws or subpar characteristics. In today’s competitive numismatic market, CAC-certified coins have become benchmarks of excellence and are widely recognized as top-tier investments in the collectible gold space.
The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1903-S MS64+ PCGS CAC offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a premium-quality example of one of America’s most iconic gold coins. With its brilliant luster, sharp detail, and exceptional surface preservation, it straddles the line between Mint State 64 and 65. Its scarcity in this condition, especially with the combined approval of PCGS and CAC, makes it an appealing acquisition for advanced collectors, investors, and enthusiasts of U.S. gold. This coin stands as a proud representative of a rich historical tradition, both artistic and monetary, and will remain a cornerstone in any collection that values quality, rarity, and enduring American heritage.