1881 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1881 Liberty Head $10 gold eagles were struck in large numbers, but as many were melted in the years that followed it is sometimes difficult to locate these pieces in choice condition. These beautiful U.S. gold coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who served as the third chief engraver of the United States Mint. He oversaw the production of several new coin designs during his tenure, most notably the Seated Liberty coins. He designed these popular coins in the 1830s, and they stayed in production until as late as the 1890s.

1881 $10 gold eagle coins contain 0.4806 ounces of gold, but they are worth much as numismatic treasures than simply bullion coins. Here’s a rundown of the values and mintages of the 1881 Liberty Head gold eagle $10 coin:

• 1881, 3,877,260 minted; $1,522

• 1881-CC, 24,015; $2,514

• 1881-O, 8,350; $1,853

• 1881-S, 970,000; $1,522

• 1881 proof; $63,000

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

The mintages listed above are quite a bit higher than the surviving populations, and therefore 1881 gold eagles are scarce by today’s standards. This is a typical situation for pre-1933 U.S. gold coinage, which was melted in large numbers, leaving many dates particularly challenging. While it’s advisable to buy certified pre-1933 U.S. gold coins instead of “raw” coins, individuals who prefer to buy unslabbed 1881 Liberty Head gold eagle coins should only buy them from trusted coin dealers.