Designed by: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Issue Dates: 1907
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 27 mm
Weight: 16.72 grams (258.02 grains)
Edge: Raised Stars
Business Strike Mintage: Estimated 500
Proof Mintage: None
The “Wire Edge” $10 Indian is technically a pattern issue (Judd 1774) but like the 1879 Flowing Hair Stella and the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent, has achieved a quasi-regular status by virtue of its mintage of several hundred pieces. Whereas most patterns only exist in quantities of 20 or fewer pieces, a few were struck for distribution to government officials and most of these have ended up with a listing in the Guidebook of United States Coins, which bestows this special status on them.
Since these pieces did not circulate, nearly all surviving examples are in Mint State, though a handful of worn pieces are known – perhaps carried as pocket pieces. Their lack of a protective rim has led to a number them showing small marks or scratches, so while mid-grade (MS 64-65) Mint State pieces are available, high-grade gems (MS 66-67) are more elusive.
Struck in higher relief than the “regular issue” coins issued later in 1907, both the Wire Edge and the Rolled Rim $10 Indians are major rarities and among the most beautiful U.S. gold coins ever made.
