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The Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1914 MS64 NGC is a rare and highly desirable example from the closing years of the iconic Liberty Head Eagle series. Struck just before the transition to the Indian Head design, this coin encapsulates more than seven decades of American history and monetary tradition. Issued at the Philadelphia Mint, this 1914 $10 Liberty Eagle is graded Mint State 64 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), indicating it is in near-Gem condition with only minor imperfections. Its combination of sharp detail, original luster, and high technical grade make it one of the more coveted survivors of its kind.
The Liberty Head $10 Eagle was first introduced in 1838, the result of a redesign by Christian Gobrecht, the U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver. It remained in production for nearly 70 years, making it one of the longest-running series in American coinage history. The coin underwent a few changes over the decades, most notably the addition of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the reverse in 1866. By 1914, the series was in its final stages, with most mintages transitioning to the more modern Indian Head design introduced in 1907. Despite this, a small number of Liberty Head $10 pieces continued to be struck through 1907 for circulation and later for special purposes, making 1914 a remarkably late and unusual date for the type, often leading to confusion as Indian Head $10s dominated that era.
The obverse of the coin features a neoclassical portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tied in a bun with strands flowing over her shoulder. Encircling her portrait are 13 six-pointed stars representing the original American colonies, and the date “1914” appears below her bust. The design is restrained yet elegant, a hallmark of 19th-century numismatic art. On high-grade examples like this MS64, Liberty’s facial features, hair curls, and coronet details are sharp and full of depth, enhanced by the original mint luster that reflects light evenly across the coin's surfaces.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle, clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for both war and peace. A shield rests against the eagle's chest, while above it, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on a ribbon-like scroll. The outer rim bears the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN D.” The artistry of the reverse is particularly bold on higher-grade examples, and this MS64 coin boasts crisp feather definition, clear lines on the scroll, and fully struck lettering, attributes often lacking in lower-grade pieces.
The Philadelphia Mint struck 151,000 of these coins in 1914. Although not the lowest mintage of the series, it is still relatively small, and fewer examples have survived in Mint State, especially in grades above MS63. The bulk of these coins were either melted during later gold recall periods or circulated extensively, reducing the number of high-quality survivors. This makes the MS64 grade from NGC an important distinction, placing the coin among the best available for collectors and investors alike. NGC, known for its rigorous grading standards, has only certified a limited number of 1914 Liberty Eagles at this grade or higher, reinforcing the scarcity and value of this specimen.
MS64 coins are characterized by their strong luster, nearly flawless eye appeal, and only minor abrasions or contact marks that are typically confined to non-distracting areas. For this particular piece, one can expect the fields to be clean, with soft cartwheel luster and sharp detail across all major design elements. The overall presentation is impressive, offering a near-gem aesthetic without the premium associated with MS65 examples, which are exponentially rarer and often command significantly higher prices.
The 1914 $10 Liberty Eagle represents the end of an era. By that year, the Liberty design was largely obsolete, with the Indian Head design—created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and modified by Charles E. Barber—firmly in place as the standard for $10 gold coins. Thus, 1914 Liberty Head Eagles are not only scarce by date but also serve as a symbolic bridge between two major artistic periods in U.S. coinage. Collectors interested in transitional coinage or the evolution of American monetary design often seek out such dates for their historical relevance.
The gold content of the coin is also of note. Containing 0.48375 troy ounces of pure gold in a total weight of 16.718 grams and composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the $10 Liberty Eagle was both a practical circulating coin and a store of intrinsic value. Today, it continues to attract attention not only from numismatists but also from precious metals investors looking for historical bullion with collectible premiums. However, certified MS64 examples are far above bullion grade and are collected for their numismatic merits, not merely their gold content.
NGC’s encapsulation preserves the coin in a sonically sealed holder that protects it from environmental degradation and confirms its authenticity and grade. This adds value and peace of mind to collectors and investors alike. The certification also increases market liquidity, as certified coins are more readily traded and accepted in both numismatic and investment circles. For registry set participants or those building high-grade type sets, this coin checks all the right boxes—scarcity, beauty, and verification from a top-tier grading service.
In conclusion, the Certified $10 Gold Liberty 1914 MS64 NGC is a remarkable coin that offers a unique blend of history, rarity, artistry, and preservation. As one of the final issues of the long-lived Liberty Head Eagle series, and in a high Mint State grade with certification from a leading authority, it stands out as a prized acquisition. Its exceptional condition, classic design, and relatively low mintage ensure enduring appeal, whether it’s housed in a prestigious registry set, cherished by a historical collector, or held as a tangible link to America’s golden age of coinage.