The release of the $10 Indian Head gold coin marked a transformative period in U.S. coinage. President Theodore Roosevelt, eager to revitalize American currency, commissioned renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign U.S. Mint coins. Despite his failing health, Saint-Gaudens completed the designs for the $10 and $20 gold coins before his passing. The $10 Indian Head gold coin, first struck in 1907, has since become one of the most beloved U.S. gold coins, captivating numismatic enthusiasts worldwide.
The $10 Indian Head gold coin, first minted in 1907, prominently displays a woman wearing an Indigenous American war bonnet on its obverse. The model for this design is speculated to be either Saint-Gaudens’ mistress, Davida Clark, or Mary Cunningham, an Irish-born waitress from Windsor, VT, although neither theory has been confirmed. The reverse displays an eagle perched atop an olive branch wrapped bundle of arrows, a design later adapted for the $2.50 and $5 Indian Head gold coins issued in 1908. The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper. It has a diameter of 26.80 mm and weighs 16.70 grams.
Most of these coins were recalled and melted in 1933 due to the outlawing of private gold ownership. However, some were kept secretly or found their way overseas, allowing a few to survive to this day.
The $10 Indian Head and the Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Eagle coins were groundbreaking as they marked the first time an artist outside the U.S. Mint played a major role in coin design. President Roosevelt's mission to beautify American coinage led him to select Saint-Gaudens, despite his complex relationship with the Mint’s Chief Engraver, Charles E. Barber. Due to his poor health, Saint-Gaudens only managed to complete the Gold Eagle and Double Eagle designs before his death. These designs were slightly altered posthumously for easier production and public approval, including the addition of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Saint-Gaudens' original design for the $10 gold coin was altered after his death following public outcry over the absence of “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Congress quickly mandated the inclusion of the motto in 1907. The coin’s design remained largely unchanged, but its edge saw several variations:
Coin images sourced from: National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History
Certain key dates in the $10 Indian Head series are particularly valuable:
The $10 Indian Head gold coin was minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Philadelphia Mint coins usually do not display a mint mark, while coins from Denver and San Francisco bear “D” and “S” mint marks, respectively. These mint marks are located beside the denomination on the reverse. Collectors often seek to build a complete collection from each mint.
The value of $10 Indian Head gold coins varies based on several factors, including mint mark, design type, year, finish, and condition:
Finding a $10 Indian Head gold coin can be challenging, especially given the many that were melted or confiscated. The coin’s condition, mint mark, year, design type, and finish all influence its value. Coins certified by professional grading companies such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) often command higher premiums, especially those with a high grade. Before certification, examine the coin’s surface for wear and tear, as coins in better condition typically have a higher value.
The $10 Indian Head gold coin exemplifies the artistic vision and bold ambition of early 20th-century American coinage. Its enduring design and historical importance make it a coveted piece for any numismatic collection. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the field, the Indian Head $10 gold coin offers a rewarding and enriching experience. At Bullion Hunters, we provide expert guidance and a wide selection of collectible coins, including the iconic $10 Indian Head gold coin. Visit our website or contact us to explore our inventory and enhance your collection with these timeless treasures.