1888 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1888 Liberty Head $10 gold eagles were produced in substantial numbers but are now difficult to find in choice grades as many have long since been melted. These gorgeous U.S. gold coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who was 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 popular among these are the Seated Liberty coins, which were largely made during a time period running from the late 1830s to the early 1890s.

1888 $10 gold eagle coins contain 0.4806 ounces of gold, but they are numismatic treasures and as such are worth much more than their simple bullion value. Here’s a look at the mintages and values of the 1888 Liberty Head gold eagles:

• 1888, 132,996; $1,478

• 1888-O, 21,335; $1,478

• 1888-S, 648,700; $1,478

*Values are for coins grading Very Fine 20.

The mintage figures listed above are much greater than the population of these coins surviving today, and therefore 1888 gold eagles can be fairly challenging coins for collectors to acquire. All pre-1933 U.S. gold coins are relatively scarce, and many pieces have been counterfeited. That’s one tantamount reason it’s best to buy certified specimens of 1888 Liberty Head gold eagle coins whenever possible. Buyers who desire purchasing “raw,” or unslabbed pre-1933 U.S. gold coins are best advised to seek a trusted coin dealer.