1903-O $10 Liberty Head Eagle PCGS MS63

This issue is the most common of the New Orleans eagles. Large quantities of relatively high grade examples of the 1903-O were discovered abroad during the past decade, which makes it fairly easy to locate in grades up to MS63. Therefore, the 1903-O eagle is popular with type collectors. It is rarely seen in well-circulated grades.

PCGS has graded 217 as MS63 with 39 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $4,500.00 in MS63.

Writes Doug Winter, “It is somewhat scarce in MS63 but still far more available at this level than any other large size gold coin from this Mint. It is very rare in MS64 and unique in Gem.”

This is one of the best struck eagles from New Orleans. At times, the obverse is not fully defined on the curls around Liberty’s face, however most 1903-O eagles are sharply struck on the obverse and reverse. Since most specimens are well struck and lustrous, the 1903-O is an excellent choice as a type coin.

James B. Longacre, the U.S. Chief Mint Engraver who crafted the Liberty head design on the Eagle and other gold coinage. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.