$10 Liberty Gold Coin (VF)

The eagle was, in U.S. currency, a $10-face-valued gold coin made between 1795 and 1933, allowing for a lull in 1804-1838. There were three distinct forms of eagle in terms of design, though easily the longest-lasting in mintage was the Liberty Gold Eagle, a VF version of which you might be able to buy. The term eagle was also used during that time as a denomination unit equivalent to $10. Nonetheless, an eagle coin always indicated its face value in dollars; the Liberty Gold Eagle displayed "TEN D."

You should be wary of thinking that the currently circulating American Gold Eagle bullion coin is a continuation of the eagle as it is described here. Though that more modern coin is available with a $10 face value, it also has $5, $25, and $50 variants. More to the point, the American Gold Eagle is simply not the same coin as the Liberty Gold Eagle. That latter coin, which might alternatively be dubbed the Liberty Head Eagle, features a design originating from Christian Gobrecht, a notable engraver in nineteenth century America.

One of this coin's sides depicts 13 stars in a near-complete circle surrounding a Liberty head - hence one of the piece's colloquial names. That Liberty head shows the goddess with a beaded ribbon that binds her hair in a knot; meanwhile, atop her head is a coronet reading "LIBERTY." Given that the coin is called an eagle, it shouldn't overly surprise that the other side indeed pictures an eagle. This bird has the highest tips of its wings pointing upwards while it is discernibly in flight. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA can be clearly seen at this side, but your eyes could be drawn towards a scroll under the lettering which displays IN GOD WE TRUST. These words only made it to the Liberty Gold Eagle's production process in 1866. That was the year after the United States secured victory over the slavery-advocating Confederate States of America in the American Civil War. This coin's metal makeup is one-part copper to nine-parts gold; however, the coin's appearance could more strongly draw your interest. The coin's condition is graded VF, standing for Very Fine. You might have seen these references used in coin grading before, but what exactly do they mean?

You could find out what by looking at the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale. On that scale, Very Fine is a grade corresponding to the numeric score 20 and the grade code VF or VF20. A Very Fine coin might show, on the higher features of its surface, moderate wear. However, there should still be some finer detailing. If all of the letters of LIBERTY remain present, they should form the original word in its full and readable glory. Furthermore, the rims should be full and clean. This coin will also, of course, show sport a common date for Liberty old eagles.

Features of the Common Date $10 Liberty Gold Eagle VF:
-Issue date not scarcely found on Liberty gold eagles
-Gold with a 0.48375 Troy oz isolated mass
-Judged to look Very Fine in condition