Numismatic

1908 $10 Indian Gold Eagle No Motto XF

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In 1908, the Philadelphia Mint produced a ten-dollar gold piece that challenged traditional American coin design. Created by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this issue belongs to a series minted from 1907 to 1933. This specific variety is notable for what it omits, lacking the religious motto that would later become standard on United States coinage. The obverse presents a bold departure from classic imagery, depicting Lady Liberty adorned in a Native American war bonnet. Thirteen stars arch over her head, representing the original colonies, while the word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed across her hair band. The year 1908 is positioned directly below the portrait. Along the edge of the coin, raised stars are minted to represent the states that made up the Union during that era. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands amidst the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the traditional Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM. The face value of TEN DOLLARS is displayed at the bottom. Struck from 0.900 fine gold, this coin contains 0.4838 troy ounces of precious metal and represents a mintage of just 33,500 pieces, making it a compelling subject of study for historians and design enthusiasts alike.