The U.S. $10 Indian Gold Coins were minted from 1907 until 1933 and designed by the famous sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The $10 Indian was surprisingly controversial in its time, though later became accepted and praised as perhaps the most exquisite coin design in US history.

When the coin was introduced in 1907, many Americans were taken aback by the obverse of the coin, featuring Lady Liberty adorned in a full Indian war bonnet, and even further disgruntled by Theodore Roosevelt’s decision to exclude the motto “In God We Trust.”

The outer rim of the coin contained 42 stars, one representing each state in the union, until 1912 when the number was increased to 44 to recognize the addition of Arizona and New Mexico to the Union. A perching eagle is pictured on the reverse.

$10 Indian gold coins are scarcer and typically more expensive compared to their $10 Liberty design counterparts.  When they can be obtained for similar prices, investors should opt for the $10 Indians.