1871 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1871 Liberty Head $10 gold eagles are scarce coins, with relatively few surviving specimens today as compared to the number that were originally produced. These classic old U.S. gold coins were designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. While well known for his role behind Liberty Head eagle gold coins, which were first minted in 1838, he is also widely recognized for designing Seated Liberty coinage. Seated Liberty coins were generally struck from the late 1830s through early 1890s and remain popular with numismatists nowadays.

1871 $10 gold eagle coins contain 0.4806 ounces of gold, though these old gold coins are much more important as numismatic treasures than simply bullion coins.

Here’s an overview of the values and mintages of the 1871 Liberty Head gold eagle $10 coin:

• 1871, 1,820 minted; $1,866

• 1871-CC, 8,085; $5,500

• 1871-S, 16,500; $1,866

• 1871 proof, $120,000

*Values are for coins grading Very Fine 20 unless otherwise noted.

The mintage figures listed above are much higher than the number of surviving specimens today. These coins are therefore quite scarce and should only be purchased certified and slabbed by reputable third-party coin graders. Those who insist on buying “raw” 1871 $10 gold eagle coins should only buy them from trusted coin dealers or gold distributors.