Introduction
The 1868 Liberty Head Eagle, a $10 gold piece, is a testament to America’s rich numismatic history. Its historical fee, coupled with rarity and beautiful format, has interested lenders and investors. In 2024, the coin sold for an great public sale rate of $930,000, reflecting its excessive price within the numismatic market.
Let’s dive into what makes the 1868 Liberty Head Eagle so special—and why it’s taken into consideration a crown jewel among creditors.
History Behind the 1868 Liberty Head Eagle
The Liberty Head Eagle, moreover known as the Coronet Head Eagle, have become minted from 1838 to 1907. Designed thru Christian Gobrecht, the coin features Lady Liberty dealing with left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The reverse showcases a formidable heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing power and peace.
The 1868 version got here just 3 years after the end of the Civil War, at some point of a time of economic restoration and country wide rebuilding. Gold coins have been still in limited flow because of the war, and many had been melted down or exported making survivors just like the 1868 Eagle fairly rare.
Mintage and Rarity
The 1868 Liberty Head Eagle become produced in restrained quantities, with the Philadelphia Mint producing just 10,655 cash and the San Francisco Mint churning out 13,500 coins. Low mintage numbers play a big position in making the coin rare and attractive to creditors.
Fewer than a dozen of those coins survived intact, in keeping with some estimates, with fewer than a hundred believed to survive in various states of preservation today.
Specifications
The coin’s specifications are as follows:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Gold Content | 0.4806 troy ounces |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Weight | 16.718 grams |
| Edge | Reeded |
Market Value and Auction Records
The price of the 1868 Liberty Head Eagle depends on its condition, rarity, and demand in the marketplace. In lower grades, these coins can also promote for some thousand bucks. Specimens in mint nation (MS) conditions, however, promote for a lot higher costs. For example, in 2024, a specimen graded MS63 via a prime grading service offered for a whopping $930,000 at a Heritage Auctions sale. This sale underscores the coin’s high price and the top rate given to well-preserved specimens.
Factors Affecting Value
There are various of factors that make a contribution to the excessive price of the 1868 Liberty Head Eagle:
- Rarity: Low mintage and the survival of very few specimens make it rarer.
- Condition: Coins in higher grades, particularly people with little wear, command better charges.
- Historical Significance: As a image of put up-Civil War America, the coin is of remarkable historic significance.
- Design: The beautiful artwork by Christian Gobrecht provides beauty.
Collecting and Investment Value
1868 Liberty Head Eagle is an investment coin and a prized item among collectors and investors. Its value and uniqueness render it a solid asset to any collection. Investors consider such coins as physical assets whose value appreciates over time, particularly if they are well maintained.
What Collectors Look For
Collectors and investors place value on:
- Mint state grade (MS60+), the higher the grade, the higher the value.
- Original luster and minimal wear.
- Strong strike with visible details, especially in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers.
- Historical provenance or previous auction record.
In a wonderful public sale, an 1868 Liberty Head Eagle graded MS65 sold for a jaw-dropping $930,000, making headlines in the numismatic global.
Conservation and Maintenance
Maintaining the coin’s condition is essential for keeping its fee. Collectors should shop the coin in a controlled surroundings, unfastened from humidity and temperature fluctuations. Handling should be minimized, and when necessary, gloves ought to be worn to save you oils from hands from inflicting harm.
Conclusion
The 1868 Liberty Head Eagle stands as a shining symbol of American numismatic excellence and historical legacy. With a value nearing $1 million, it’s one of the most prestigious and precious $10 gold cash ever minted. Whether you’re a pro collector or a curious fanatic, this coin represents the very great of what rare U.S. Coinage has to provide.
FAQ’s
Who created the 1868 Liberty Head Eagle
Christian Gobrecht, third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, created the coin.
How many 1868 Liberty Head Eagles had been produced?
About 10,655 have been produced in Philadelphia and 13,500 in San Francisco.