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The Certified U.S. Gold $10 Liberty 1887-S from the esteemed D.L. Hansen Collection is a remarkable numismatic treasure that embodies the rich history of American coinage. This piece, certified as MS63 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), represents one of the finest surviving examples of the 1887-S issue. The Liberty Head Eagle series, also known as the Coronet Head Eagle, was struck from 1838 to 1907, making it one of the longest-running and most historically significant gold coin series in U.S. history. The 1887-S issue, struck at the San Francisco Mint, played an essential role in West Coast commerce, facilitating large transactions during a period of economic expansion and industrial growth in the late 19th century.
The $10 Liberty Head Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Gobrecht, whose work significantly influenced American coinage, created a design that would remain relatively unchanged for nearly seven decades. His artistic contributions extended to other notable coins, including the Seated Liberty series. The Liberty Head design was introduced in 1838 and remained in production until the advent of the Indian Head Eagle in 1907. Throughout its mintage, the $10 Liberty served as a critical denomination in everyday transactions and banking reserves, circulating widely across the growing nation.
The obverse of the 1887-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is elegantly arranged in a bun, with soft curls cascading down her neck. Thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, encircle Liberty’s portrait, symbolizing national unity and the country’s founding principles. Below the portrait, the date “1887” is prominently displayed. The intricate details of Gobrecht’s design, particularly in Liberty’s hair and facial features, showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint during this period.
The reverse of the coin features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. The eagle’s breast is adorned with a shield, reinforcing the coin’s strong nationalistic imagery. Above the eagle, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed within a flowing ribbon, a design element added in 1866. The denomination “TEN D.” appears at the bottom, while the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arc along the top. The detailed engraving of the eagle’s feathers and the sharpness of the lettering make this one of the most visually striking gold coin designs of its era.
The 1887-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle was minted at the San Francisco Mint, a facility established in 1854 to process the vast amounts of gold being extracted from the California Gold Rush. By the late 19th century, the San Francisco Mint had solidified its reputation as a crucial hub for gold and silver coin production, supplying the western states with high-quality currency. The “S” mintmark, located just below the eagle on the reverse, signifies that this coin was struck in San Francisco, making it a product of one of the most important mints in U.S. history.
The mintage of the 1887-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle was 103,000 coins, a relatively moderate production number compared to some other years in the series. While many of these coins entered circulation and saw extensive use in trade and banking, a limited number survived in uncirculated condition. The combination of relatively low mintage and heavy circulation makes high-grade examples of this issue challenging to find. Coins that have been well-preserved, such as this MS63 specimen, are particularly desirable among collectors and investors.
The condition of this particular 1887-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle has been graded MS63 by PCGS, signifying that it is in Mint State condition with no signs of wear. A grade of MS63 indicates that while the coin may exhibit some minor contact marks or abrasions from the minting process, it retains full mint luster and strong eye appeal. The strike on this example is well-executed, with sharp detail in Liberty’s portrait and the eagle’s feathers. The surfaces display a pleasing balance of brilliance and originality, free from any significant distractions that would detract from its overall beauty.
One of the most significant aspects of this coin is its provenance from the D.L. Hansen Collection, one of the most prestigious numismatic collections in the world. D.L. Hansen, a prominent coin collector and businessman, has assembled one of the most comprehensive U.S. coin collections ever known. Coins from the Hansen Collection are highly sought after due to their exceptional quality and historical significance. Owning a coin from this collection adds an extra layer of prestige and desirability for collectors and investors alike.
The surfaces of this MS63 example exhibit strong luster, with minimal marks that are well within the acceptable range for this grade. The golden coloration is vibrant and consistent, reflecting the coin’s careful preservation over the past century. The fields of the coin remain relatively clean, enhancing the contrast between the devices and the background. The overall eye appeal of this specimen is outstanding, making it a standout example of the 1887-S issue.
Collectors highly value MS63 examples of the 1887-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle due to their balance between quality and affordability. While higher-grade specimens exist, they become increasingly rare and command significantly higher premiums. MS63 represents a sweet spot where the coin retains its uncirculated status while remaining accessible to a broad range of numismatists. The certification by PCGS ensures the authenticity and grade of the coin, providing buyers with confidence in their investment.
The market for pre-1933 U.S. gold coins remains robust, with strong demand for well-preserved Liberty Head Eagles. These coins appeal to both numismatic collectors and investors seeking tangible assets with historical significance. The 1887-S issue, particularly in MS63 condition, offers an excellent opportunity to own a piece of America’s gold coinage legacy. As more of these coins are absorbed into private collections, high-quality examples are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire.
Beyond its numismatic value, the 1887-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle serves as a tangible link to the economic and historical landscape of late 19th-century America. These coins circulated widely during a time of rapid industrial growth, westward expansion, and financial development. Their use in commerce and banking underscores their importance in the monetary system of the era. Holding a piece of this history allows collectors to appreciate the craftsmanship, artistry, and historical context of U.S. coinage.
Owning a Certified U.S. Gold $10 Liberty 1887-S MS63 PCGS from the D.L. Hansen Collection allows collectors and investors to acquire a high-quality example of a classic American gold coin. Its combination of historical significance, strong condition, and prestigious provenance make it a highly desirable piece for numismatists and investors alike. Whether admired for its beauty, collected for its rarity, or valued for its gold content, this coin remains a testament to America’s rich numismatic heritage and the enduring legacy of the Liberty Head Eagle series.