1846 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1846 Liberty Head $10 gold coins are tough for coin collectors to find as these pieces were made relatively small numbers and many were melted down or have been lost due to attrition in heavy circulation. Christian Gobrecht, who served as the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, designed 1846 Liberty Head $10 gold eagles, which were first coined in 1838. Gobrecht also designed Seated Liberty coinage, which was made generally from the late 1830s through early 1890s.

Containing 0.4806 ounces of gold, 1846 Liberty Head gold eagle $10 coins are worth more as collectible coins than bullion coins. Here’s a look at the coin’s mintage and basic prices:

• 1846, 20,095 minted; $1,967

• 1846-O, 81,780; $$1,836

• 1846/5 overdate, mintage included above; $1,902

*Values are for coins grading Very Fine 20.

While the mintages listed above might appear ample to supply coin collectors with plenty of 1846 $10 gold coins, there actually are far fewer pieces in existence today than originally minted. This is quite common with many pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. Given the overall scarceness of many pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, such as 1846 $10 eagles, it’s best that they are bought certified from reputable third-party coin grading firms or, if purchased “raw,” from trusted coin dealers or bullion distributors.