1886 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1886 Liberty Head $10 gold eagles were struck in decent quantities but can be difficult to find in choice grades now since many were later melted. These classic U.S. gold coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who served as the third chief engraver of the United States Mint and oversaw the production of several new coin designs during his time as chief engraver; most notably the Seated Liberty coinage, which was minted from the late 1830s to the early 1890s.

1886 $10 gold eagle coins contain 0.4806 ounces of gold, but they are much more valuable as numismatic treasures than simply bullion coins. Here’s a look at the mintages and values of 1886 Liberty Head gold eagles:

• 1886, 236,160; $1,578

• 1886-S, 826,000; $1,578

• 1886 proof; $63,000

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

The mintages listed above are much higher than the population surviving today, and therefore 1886 gold eagles can be fairly difficult to obtain. Across the board, all pre-1933 U.S. gold coins are scarce, and many pieces have been counterfeited. That’s one reason it’s best to buy certified specimens of these coins whenever possible. Those who insist on buying “raw,” or unslabbed 1886 Liberty Head gold eagle coins are best advised to seek the assistance of a trusted coin dealer.