Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

1909. PCGS graded MS-64. This warmly colored 1909 Indian ten displays an overlay of honey-golden metallic detail in virtually all areas. Struck with mathematical precision by the dies it boasts strong feather elements in the stylized headdress as well as intricate detail in the eagle's body, legs, and wings. This is a very high-end example with great eye appeal.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens' so-called "Indian" head eagles are more properly a invention of his creative genius having to mold itself to the mechanical realities of coin design. The profile Saint-Gaudens chose originated in a figure of Nike ('Victory'), part of his Gen. Sherman Monument (1905), which was ultimately inspired by a Hellenistic Wingless Victory on the temple of Zeus Soter at Pergamon. Pop 86; 30 finer (PCGS # 8862) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.