The 1875 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle stands among the rarest regular-issue U.S. coins ever produced. With only 100 struck for circulation, it has become legendary in numismatics.
Despite its seemingly modest mintage, experts believe fewer than 10–15 survive today, and none exist in mint-state MS grades. That extreme scarcity, matched with historical intrigue, makes this coin immensely valuable—individual examples have sold for $345,000, illustrating how high grade and provenance dramatically amplify worth.
Exceptionally Low Mintage & Few Survivors
- Mintage: Only 100 business-strike Eagles were produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1875, the lowest of any U.S. gold Eagle coin series.
- Surviving examples: Census research suggests just 5–6 circulated strikes and 7–8 proofs remain—but many proofs may be pattern coins. Business-strikes in collector hands likely number seven or eight.
This extreme rarity exceeds even famously rare coins like the 1804 silver dollar or 1913 Liberty nickel.
High Auction Records Fueling Fame
| Year | Grade | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | AU‑53+ | $345,000 | Stack’s-Bowers sale, record for business-strike Eagle |
| 2022 | MS60? AU | $850K + 20% premium | Private sale of a high-grade specimen |
| Varied | Circulated | $3,500–$63,500 | Everyday price range for collectable grades |
The 1980s AU‑53+ coin sparked a landmark moment in numismatic history, and more recent private sales suggest that uncirculated examples, if found, could easily fetch over $1 million.
Historical Context & Collectibility
- Liberty Head design: Created by Christian Gobrecht, featuring Lady Liberty with a coronet and a heraldic eagle. Produced at Philadelphia .
- Post–Civil War era: Gold Eagles were still in circulation through 1875, though paper currency and silver were becoming dominant.
- Scarcity recognized early: Dealers and numismatists have prized this issue for decades, recognizing it as one of the premier rarities in the $10 gold series.
- No Mint State examples: The hardest coins to find yet—meaning premium-grade survivors would shatter pricing records.
1875 Liberty Head $10 Eagle Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mintage | 100 business strikes |
| Survival Estimate | ~5–6 circulated + 7–8 proofs (likely overstated) |
| Known MS Grades | None |
| Auction Highs | $345,000 (AU‑53+, 1980s), $1M+ private (2022 MS‑60?) |
| Typical Circulated Range | $3,500–$63,500 (NGC Guide) |
| Design Attributes | Liberty head obverse, eagle reverse by Gobrecht |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper, 0.4839 oz pure gold |
Why This Coin Is a Treasure
- Ultra-low survival rate: Even with proof survivors included, fewer than a dozen business-strike examples exist .
- Historic apex of Gobrecht design: Final years of standard Liberty Eagle pattern, rich in artistry and history.
- Collectible demand & record prices: Rare enough to sustain high auction premiums and speculation on undiscovered mint-state pieces.
How to Identify & Authenticate
- Certification is essential: PCGS and NGC validate authenticity and gradation, especially important for extreme rarities.
- Grade range and eye appeal: Coins trending MS‑60 or AU‑55+ transform value exponentially.
- Provenance adds value: Earlier pedigrees (Stack’s-Bowers sales) give an edge in trust and pricing.
- Visual markers: Check for die doubling, sharp eagle feathers, and originality in toning or luster.
The 1875 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle remains one of the most mysterious and rare U.S. coins. With only 100 minted for circulation and fewer than a dozen survivors, its value is driven by scarcity, numismatic history, and stunning demand.
Auction results—$345,000 in the 1980s and estimates toward $1 million for high-grade examples—indicate that this coin is more than gold—it’s legend.
FAQs
Q1: How many 1875 $10 Gold Eagles still exist?
Only roughly 5–6 business-strike examples survive in collectible hands, and no certified MS (Mint State) specimens are known.
Q2: What’s the record sale for this coin?
An AU‑53+ graded example sold for $345,000 in the 1980s. More recent private sales for presumed MS‑60 examples reached around $1 million.
Q3: Could a mint-state version ever be found?
Yes, it’s possible—though extraordinarily unlikely. Discovery of an MS‑60+ 1875 Eagle would likely set a new auction record, considering current market interest.