1887 Liberty Head $10 Gold Eagle

1887 Liberty Head $10 gold eagles were struck in fairly large numbers, but are difficult to find in choice grades now since many were later melted. These classic U.S. gold coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who was the third chief engraver of the United States Mint and oversaw the production of several new coin designs during his time as chief engraver; most notably, he designed the Seated Liberty coinage, which spanned from the late 1830s to the early 1890s.

1887 $10 gold eagle coins contain 0.4806 ounces of gold, but they are much more valuable as numismatic treasures than simply bullion coins. Here’s a look at the mintages and values of the 1887 Liberty Head gold eagles:

• 1887, 53,560; $1,474

• 1887-S, 817,000; $1,474

• 1887 proof; $95,000

*Values are for coins grading Very Fine 20 unless otherwise stated.

The mintages listed above are much higher than the population surviving today, and therefore 1887 gold eagles can be fairly difficult to obtain. All pre-1933 U.S. gold coins are scarce, and many pieces have been counterfeited. That’s one important reason it’s best to buy certified 1887 Liberty Head gold eagle coins and otherpre-1933 U.S. gold coins whenever possible.