Indian Head $10 gold eagle (1907–1933) melt value
The Indian Head eagle is a US $10 gold coin designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and made from 1907 to 1933. It is 90% gold and holds just under half a troy ounce of pure gold. Like other pre-1933 US gold, it often sells above its melt value, and scarce dates are worth far more, so check with a coin dealer before selling one for its gold. Here's what the gold inside is worth at today's live price.
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How do I know if my indian head $10 gold eagle is gold?
The front shows Liberty wearing a feathered Native American headdress, with 13 stars above. The back shows a standing eagle and the words TEN DOLLARS. The edge has raised stars instead of reeding. It measures 27 mm across and weighs about 16.7 grams. Coins from 1907 and early 1908 have no "IN GOD WE TRUST"; it was added to the back during 1908. Some have a small D or S mint mark; Philadelphia coins have none. The 1907 wire rim and rolled edge coins, the 1920-S, 1930-S and 1933 are rare and valuable.
Why does a dealer pay less than melt value?
Dealers need room to cover refining, shipping and resale costs, so most pay a percentage of melt value for common-date coins.
Is it legal to melt coins?
US rules prohibit melting one-cent and five-cent coins. That rule does not cover dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars or bullion coins. Most people sell coins whole to a dealer rather than melting them.