1907 Indian Head Gold $10 Eagle: Wire Rim - No Stars on Edge - Unique
The 1907 Indian Head Gold $10 Eagle is a significant coin in American numismatics, notable for its unique features and historical context. Here's an overview of this coin:
Design: The obverse of the 1907 Indian Head Gold $10 Eagle features a left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet, with the date "1907" below. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed along the headband of the bonnet.
The reverse design showcases a majestic bald eagle perched on a bundle of arrows, with an olive branch clasped in its talons. The denomination "TEN DOLLARS" is inscribed, along with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST."
1. Wire Rim: The 1907 Indian Head Gold $10 Eagle is distinguished by its wire rim, which is a raised, fin-like edge around the perimeter of the coin. This feature was a result of the minting process and is considered a unique characteristic of certain early strikes of the coin.
1. No Stars on Edge: Unlike later issues of the Indian Head Gold Eagle, the 1907 version does not have stars on the edge. Instead, the edge is plain, which further adds to the distinctiveness of this coin.
1. Unique: The combination of the wire rim and the absence of stars on the edge makes the 1907 Indian Head Gold $10 Eagle a unique and highly sought-after variety among collectors. These features are specific to the initial strikes of the coin and were later modified in subsequent minting processes.
Historical Context: The Indian Head Gold Eagle series was introduced in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of his efforts to beautify American coinage.
The design, created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was praised for its artistic merit and departure from traditional coin designs of the time.
1. Varieties: While the 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar does not have major known varieties, die varieties and minor differences in production exist, adding to the interest of collectors who specialize in Capped Bust coinage.