Indian Head $10 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes and Proof (1907-1933)

The $10 Indian series was designed by Augustus St. Gaudens, and was issued from 1907 through 1933. Considered by many to be one of the United States’ most beautiful coins, this series is filled with rarities. In 1907 several varieties of the $10 Indian were minted, creating two major rarities, the so-called “Rolled Edge” $10 and a “Wire Rim” variety. Many $10 Indians were never released into circulation, and were later melted. Key dates in MS65 or better include the 1933 (a major rarity), the 1908-D with motto, 1908-S, 1909, 1909-D, 1909-S, 1910-S, 1911-D, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, 1916-S, 1920-S, and 1930-S.

There are only eight proof $10 Indians, but they’re eight coins filled with challenge and rarity. From the lowest mintage coin (71 for 1913) to the highest mintage coin (204 for 1910) the facts remain the same: these coins are RARE. The $10 Indians proofs are matte or Roman finish, depending on the date, as is true of the other gold coins of this era. Even the most “common” date (the 1908) has seen less than 20 pieces certified in Proof 65 or better. The mintage figures for the 1910 have been brought into question, as its relatively high mintage of 204 isn’t indicative of its rarity. PCGS has graded only 20 pieces in nearly 15 years!