Numismatic

1897-O $10 Liberty Gold Eagle AU

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In 1897, the New Orleans Mint struck a remarkably small run of just 42,500 ten-dollar gold pieces. Over the decades, a vast number of these issues were melted down, making surviving specimens particularly notable for those who appreciate the remnants of nineteenth-century American coinage. This specific coin, graded as Almost Uncirculated, offers a direct connection to the southern branch of the United States Mint during a transitional era in the nation's economy. The design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was a long-running staple of American currency, produced from 1838 to 1907. On the obverse, a left-facing portrait of Liberty is crowned with a band bearing her name, encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse displays a classic heraldic eagle protecting a shield on its chest, surrounded by the country of origin and the ten-dollar denomination. Struck in 0.900 fine gold, this piece contains 0.4838 troy ounces of precious metal, carrying the distinct 'O' mint mark of the historic Louisiana facility.