1866-S $10 No Motto

 

SKU: 41785512

 

A true condition rarity from the post–Civil War gold series, this 1866-S 10 Dollar Liberty Head Eagle without the motto is widely recognized as one of the most elusive issues of the Liberty Head Eagles. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during a pivotal period in American history, the 1866-S No Motto Eagle stands out as a key date that is seldom encountered, especially in higher-grade circulated preservation.

Offered here certified by PCGS as AU53 (Cert 41785512), this example represents a scarce opportunity to acquire an important Western Branch Mint gold coin with strong collector demand. In auction appearance studies, the 1866-S No Motto Eagle ranks among the rarest dates in the entire series, with notably few offerings and an especially limited number surviving in Extremely Fine or better. Most known examples are encountered in lower circulated grades, making an About Uncirculated specimen particularly desirable for both advanced Liberty Head Eagle specialists and type collectors seeking a standout No Motto gold issue.

Expected with classic Liberty Head Eagle coloration, the coin typically displays rich golden tones, often complemented by deeper honey or light orange accents that collectors prize on original, minimally handled gold.

Key details

• **Date and Mint**: 1866-S, San Francisco
• **Denomination and Type**: 10 Dollar Liberty Head Eagle, No Motto reverse
• **Certification**: PCGS AU53
• **PCGS Cert Number**: 41785512
• **Population (PCGS)**: **5** in AU53, with **6 higher**
• **Historic mintage**: **8,500**

Why this coin belongs in a serious collection

• **Major rarity in the Liberty Head Eagle series**, consistently difficult to locate at auction
• **No Motto status**, representing an important transitional design era before later reverse changes became standard
• **High-end circulated grade for the issue**, where most survivors are seen in much lower condition
• **San Francisco Mint gold**, a classic collecting specialty tied to Western commerce and Gold Rush-era legacy

This 1866-S 10 Dollar No Motto Liberty Head Eagle is a premier rarity with strong long-term collector appeal, offering both historical significance and true scarcity in a grade that few collectors will have the chance to obtain.

 

PCGS #	8644.000000
Grading Service	PCGS
Grade	AU53
Year	1866
Strike	Business