GOLD COIN FIELD GUIDE
Indian Head $10
This $10 design is raised, unlike the recessed Indian $2.50 and $5. Issues after 1916 are intermittent: 1920, 1926, 1930, 1932, and 1933.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1907–1933
- Composition
- 90% gold
- Standard gross weight
- 16.718 g
- Fine gold per coin
- 0.48375 troy oz
- Face value
- $10.00
The ten-dollar design is raised, not incuse
The Indian Head ten-dollar coin has a raised design, unlike the recessed Indian $2.50 and $5 coins. Confirm the denomination and design before using their identification advice.
The date span runs from 1907 to 1933, but that does not mean an issue was produced in every intervening year. Research the actual dated issue rather than treating the range as a complete annual checklist.
Where to look. Confirm TEN DOLLARS and the starred edge. Read the mintmark and date; high-grade rarity can differ from rarity across all grades.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Better date. A date or issue that merits its own comparison, not an automatic high-value finding.
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
- Better date
1911-D
A scarce Denver issue, especially challenging in high condition.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Key date
1930-S
A scarce San Francisco issue. Surviving population matters more than original mintage alone.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.48375 fine troy ounces of gold per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce gold quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- NGC Indian eagle issue guide ↗
- 1911-D — reference ↗
- 1930-S — reference ↗
- NGC gold melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.