1930 Indian Head Gold $10 Eagle

For the first time since 1926, the United States again struck Indian Head gold eagles. A lot had changed by 1930 though, especially in regards to the U.S. economy. The stock market crash of 1929 had turned empires to ruin, pushed millions of American out of employment, and caused a financial panic that spread around the globe. The U.S. Mint was still churning out coinage to supply commerce, though that need was becoming ever decreasing as the economic woes gained a stronghold over the U.S. during the early 1930s.

Only 96,000 Indian Head $10 gold eagles were struck in 1930, and all were made at the San Francisco Mint. Many of these coins were melted, and relatively few remain today. In fact, a circulated specimen costs around $20,000 in Very Fine, which is nearly as expensive as the 1920 Indian Head eagles struck a decade earlier at the San Francisco mint. Uncirculated specimens start at around $40,000.

Common coin-buying wisdom should play a role when buying uncommon coins like the 1930-S Indian Head gold coin. Be sure to buy a certified example that has been encapsulated by a reputable third-party coin-grading company. This will help ensure that you are buying a piece that is both authentic and properly graded.

Indian Head eagles were designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a famous sculptor who is perhaps most notable in the numismatic community for his double eagle design, which was minted from 1907 through 1933, when the nation was taken off the gold standard. Indian Head gold $10 eagles would not be struck again until 1932.