1866-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle (With Motto) NGC AU55

1866-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle With Motto – NGC AU55
Historic First Year With Motto from the San Francisco Mint

The 1866-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle With Motto NGC AU55 is a significant Reconstruction-era gold issue, struck during the first year the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto appeared on the reverse of the Liberty Eagle series. Minted in San Francisco, this coin represents an important transitional moment in United States coinage following the Civil War. The obverse features Christian Gobrecht’s classic Liberty head design, while the reverse displays the heraldic eagle with the newly added motto above. Graded AU55 by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, this example retains strong detail with light wear on the high points and pleasing remaining luster. With only 4 certified at this grade, it stands as a scarce and desirable condition rarity from a historically important year.

Certified AU55 by NGC, this coin shows sharp definition throughout Liberty’s hair curls, coronet, and stars, while the eagle’s shield, wings, and motto banner remain boldly visible. The surfaces exhibit honest circulation with attractive color and solid eye appeal for the assigned grade.

Coin Highlights:

• Denomination: $10
• Year: 1866-S
• Mint: San Francisco
• Grade: NGC AU55
• Population: 14 certified examples at this grade
• Purity: 0.900 fine gold
• Design: Liberty head on obverse; heraldic eagle with “IN GOD WE TRUST” on reverse

A Key First Year With Motto Issue
The 1866-S $10 Liberty Gold Eagle With Motto NGC AU55 combines historic significance, San Francisco Mint scarcity, and a very limited certified population, making it a compelling opportunity for those seeking important 19th-century U.S. gold.