1907 $10 Indian Head Eagle, Wire Rim NGC MS65

It was the end of August of 1907. Both President Theodore Roosevelt and acting Mint Director Robert E. Preston were fed up with the constant refinements and delays on the Saint-Gaudens ten dollar gold piece coin. A mintage of 500 pieces was ordered from high relief dies featuring a Wire Rim edge and Periods surrounding the three reverse legends. Two trials pieces were sent to the President, who reported he was "greatly pleased with the sample coins." NGC has graded 31 as MS65 with 26 finer.

According to Heritage Auctions, a total of 542 pieces were produced—including 42 pieces struck later in the year—enough coins to provide samples for dignitaries, government officials, as well as to be purchased by prominent dealers; however, 70 coins went unsold and were subsequently melted. These coins are as close to the design that Saint-Gaudens intended.

Writes Heritage, “The vulnerable knife rims were susceptible to wear and damage, and the high relief central motifs were impractical for mass production, yet the Wire Rim eagles are unrivaled representatives of the design.” This example displays the attractive satin-smooth, matte like finish that typifies all examples from the introductory mintage. 

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the sculptor-medalist who crafted this iconic coin design. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.