US 1908 $10 Motto Gold Coin Philadelphia Mint
080-00555
The 1908 $10 Indian Head Gold Eagle is a fascinating artifact that sits at the crossroads of artistic ambition and political controversy. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin represents the second year of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ revolutionary design, but it carries a significant distinction that separates it from its 1907 predecessor: the inclusion of the motto "In God We Trust."
The "No Motto" Controversy
When Saint-Gaudens first redesigned the $10 Eagle under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, the motto was intentionally omitted. Roosevelt believed that placing the name of God on currency that might be spent in "low" places like saloons was sacrilegious. However, the public and Congress disagreed, sparking a heated debate that led to the restoration of the phrase midway through 1908. This specific coin, the "With Motto" variety, marks the permanent return of that tradition to the series.
Artistic Majesty
The design itself remains one of the most celebrated in American history. The obverse features a profile of Liberty adorned with a feathered Native American war bonnet—a bold, uniquely American motif. The reverse showcases a powerful, standing eagle perched on a bundle of arrows entwined with an olive branch. The Philadelphia strike is known for its classic, satiny luster and deep, rich gold hues, highlighting the muscular detail of the eagle and the sharp lines of the headdress.
Numismatic Appeal
For collectors, a 1908 Philadelphia issue is a foundational piece. It bridges the gap between the experimental high-relief concepts of the previous year and the standardized coinage that would dominate the early 20th century. Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, it possesses a substantial "heft" that modern coins lack. Whether admired for its high-art pedigree or its role in a national religious debate, the 1908 $10 Eagle remains a titan of the "Golden Age" of American coinage.
The "No Motto" Controversy
When Saint-Gaudens first redesigned the $10 Eagle under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, the motto was intentionally omitted. Roosevelt believed that placing the name of God on currency that might be spent in "low" places like saloons was sacrilegious. However, the public and Congress disagreed, sparking a heated debate that led to the restoration of the phrase midway through 1908. This specific coin, the "With Motto" variety, marks the permanent return of that tradition to the series.
Artistic Majesty
The design itself remains one of the most celebrated in American history. The obverse features a profile of Liberty adorned with a feathered Native American war bonnet—a bold, uniquely American motif. The reverse showcases a powerful, standing eagle perched on a bundle of arrows entwined with an olive branch. The Philadelphia strike is known for its classic, satiny luster and deep, rich gold hues, highlighting the muscular detail of the eagle and the sharp lines of the headdress.
Numismatic Appeal
For collectors, a 1908 Philadelphia issue is a foundational piece. It bridges the gap between the experimental high-relief concepts of the previous year and the standardized coinage that would dominate the early 20th century. Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, it possesses a substantial "heft" that modern coins lack. Whether admired for its high-art pedigree or its role in a national religious debate, the 1908 $10 Eagle remains a titan of the "Golden Age" of American coinage.
| Additional Information | |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY | US |
| DENOMINATION | $10 |
| EdgeItemKey | 001-080-00555 |
| GRADE | MS62 |
| Inventory Type | Stock |
| MINT MARK | Philadelphia |
| stone info | [] |
| Vendor Style Code | 1908 MS62 Motto $10 gold coin |
| YEAR | 1908 |
