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The Certified U.S. Gold $10 Liberty 1902-S MS63 PCGS CAC is a remarkable example of late 19th and early 20th-century American gold coinage. As part of the long-running Liberty Head Eagle series, which was minted from 1838 to 1907, this coin represents a significant chapter in U.S. numismatic history. The 1902-S issue was struck at the San Francisco Mint, a facility known for producing high-quality gold coins that played an essential role in commerce on the West Coast. Certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and bearing the prestigious CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) endorsement, this coin stands out as an exceptional specimen, both in terms of condition and historical significance.
The Liberty Head $10 Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, whose artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on American coinage. Introduced in 1838, the design remained largely unchanged for nearly 70 years, making it one of the most enduring coin designs in U.S. history. The Liberty Head motif was a symbol of national pride and economic stability, circulating widely throughout the country during an era of expansion, industrialization, and economic transformation. By the early 20th century, however, changes in artistic preferences and monetary policies led to the discontinuation of the Liberty Head series in favor of the Indian Head Eagle in 1907.
The obverse of the 1902-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Her hair is arranged in an elegant bun, with detailed curls cascading down her neck. Surrounding the portrait are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies of the United States. The date "1902" is prominently displayed below Liberty’s bust, anchoring the design with a clear indication of its historical issuance. The obverse engraving is one of the most enduring and recognizable images in American numismatics, embodying the nation's ideals of liberty and perseverance.
The reverse of the 1902-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle is equally impressive, featuring a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon, symbolizing peace, and a bundle of arrows in its left talon, representing military readiness. The eagle's breast is covered by a shield, reinforcing the theme of national strength and protection. Above the eagle, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed within a ribbon, a design element that was added to the series in 1866. The denomination "TEN D." appears below the eagle, while the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arc along the top. The detailed rendering of the eagle’s feathers and the overall balance of the reverse design make this one of the most aesthetically striking gold coin designs of the era.
The 1902-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle was minted at the San Francisco Mint, a facility that played a crucial role in producing gold coinage following the California Gold Rush. Established in 1854, the San Francisco Mint quickly became one of the most important U.S. Mint branches, ensuring that gold extracted from the western states was efficiently converted into coinage. The "S" mintmark, located just below the eagle on the reverse, signifies that this coin was struck in San Francisco, making it a desirable issue for collectors who focus on branch mint coinage.
The mintage of the 1902-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle was 193,350 coins, a moderate production run compared to some earlier and later years in the series. While this figure suggests a relatively available issue, the survival rate of high-quality uncirculated examples is much lower. Many of these coins saw extensive circulation, as $10 gold pieces were commonly used in large financial transactions, including bank reserves and international trade. As a result, well-preserved specimens, particularly those in Mint State condition, are far less common than their original mintage figures might suggest.
The condition of this particular 1902-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle has been graded MS63 by PCGS, indicating that it remains in Mint State condition with no signs of wear. A grade of MS63 signifies that while the coin may have some minor contact marks or abrasions from the minting process, it retains full luster and strong eye appeal. The strike on this example is sharp, with well-defined details in Liberty’s portrait and the eagle’s feathers. The surfaces exhibit a pleasing combination of brilliance and originality, free from any significant distractions that would diminish its overall visual appeal.
Adding to its desirability, this coin has been awarded the CAC designation, which stands for Certified Acceptance Corporation. The CAC sticker is given only to coins that meet strict quality standards within their assigned grade. This endorsement signifies that the coin has superior eye appeal, exceptional luster, and strong strike characteristics compared to other coins in the same grade. The presence of a CAC sticker adds an extra level of confidence for collectors and investors, as it confirms that the coin is among the best examples of its grade.
The surfaces of this MS63 specimen exhibit strong luster, with minimal marks that are well within the acceptable range for the grade. The coin’s golden coloration is vibrant and consistent, reflecting its careful preservation over the past century. The fields 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 1902-S issue.
Collectors highly value MS63 examples of the 1902-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 and the CAC endorsement further ensure the authenticity, grade, and overall quality of the coin, providing buyers with confidence in their investment.
The market for pre-1933 U.S. gold coins remains strong, with consistent demand from both collectors and investors. The $10 Liberty series, in particular, holds a special place in numismatic history, as it represents a period when gold coinage played an essential role in everyday commerce. The 1902-S issue, struck at a crucial minting facility, 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 1902-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle serves as a tangible link to the economic and historical landscape of the early 20th century. These coins circulated widely during a time of rapid industrial growth, financial expansion, and international influence. Their use in banking and trade 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 1902-S MS63 PCGS CAC 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 CAC endorsement 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.