1851 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1851 Liberty Head $10 gold coins were made in relatively small quantity and are difficult to find today. These classic U.S. gold coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who served as the United States Mint’s third chief engraver. In addition to 1851 Liberty Head eagles coins, he also designed Seated Liberty coinage, which was made generally from the late 1830s through early 1890s.

1851 $10 coins contain 0.4806 ounces of gold. However, because these coins are quite scarce, they are worth more than their intrinsic bullion value. Here’s a look at the 1851 Liberty Head gold eagle $10 coin mintage and values:

• 1851, 176,328 minted; $1,494

• 1851-O, 263,000; $1,494

*Values are for coins grading Very Fine 20.

The mintage figures listed above are significantly greater than the number of 1851 gold eagles that exist today. This is a rather common scenario with many pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, due to melting or attrition. Given the overall scarceness of many pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, such as 1851 $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.