Indian Head eagle

The Indian Head Eagle: A Golden Legacy

Imagine a time when the United States Mint struck gold coins that were not just currency but works of art. The Indian Head eagle, minted from 1907 to 1933, was one such masterpiece. Designed by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin featured a left-facing bust of Liberty wearing an Indian feather headdress on its obverse and a standing bald eagle on its reverse. But how did this iconic design come about? And what challenges did it face?

The Birth of an Icon

President Theodore Roosevelt, known for his passion for art and history, was instrumental in the creation of the Indian Head eagle. He had a vision to modernize American coinage, making them more aesthetically pleasing and reflective of the nation’s heritage. In early 1907, Roosevelt wrote to Saint-Gaudens proposing an Indian war bonnet be added to the obverse of the cent. This idea was met with mixed reactions; numismatic historian Walter Breen described it as ‘the absurd addition of a feathered warbonnet.’ Art historian Cornelius Vermeule went further, stating that the Indian Head eagle ‘missed being a great coin because Roosevelt interfered’ with its design.

Design Challenges and Collaborations

The collaboration between Saint-Gaudens and the United States Mint was fraught with challenges. Mint Director George E. Roberts wrote to Saint-Gaudens on May 25, 1907: ‘It is now settled . . . the design for the Eagle shall be the feather head of Liberty with the standing eagle.’ This set the stage for a series of back-and-forth communications and revisions.

Despite Saint-Gaudens’ serious illness, he and his assistants moved quickly on the revision. However, Charles E. Barber, the chief engraver at the time, had concerns about the relief of the new models being too high. Roberts suggested date and relief problems with the eagle design; no response was received from Saint-Gaudens until June 24 when new models were sent to the Mint.

On July 19, experimental pieces were prepared using Roberts’ and Saint-Gaudens’ designs. By mid-July, Saint-Gaudens had received one of these pieces along with a Liberty Head eagle for comparison. The President viewed sample coins on August 31 and expressed satisfaction despite initial problems with excess metal forming a ‘fin’ that needed to be removed.

Finalizing the Design

Roosevelt ordered Cortelyou to finalize designs by September 1, but public opinion and government pressure led to the addition of the motto ‘In God We Trust.’ Minor changes were made by Barber, including the addition of the motto and slight alterations to the design. The Denver mintmarks are larger in 1908-1910 compared to subsequent years, while San Francisco mintmarks remain small.

The coin was produced every year from 1907 to 1916 but lacked the motto ‘In God We Trust,’ which Roosevelt believed was sacrilegious. Saint-Gaudens wanted minimal lettering, but public opinion and government pressure led to its addition.

Production and Legacy

The Indian Head eagle entered circulation in 1907 but faced challenges due to World War I and a subsequent executive order by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, which ended the production of gold coins. One sold in 2004 for $718,750, graded MS-66 (the finest known example). Approximately forty 1933 eagles are known to have survived.

Proof coins were struck from 1907 until 1915 at Philadelphia. Not all quantities are known, but the highest known mintage is 204 for 1910. One surviving specimen of a melted rounded rim piece is in proof and is in private hands.

Different finishes were used for proof coins, including satin, dark matte, and lighter ‘Roman finish.’ The coin was produced every year from 1907 to 1916 but lacked the motto ‘In God We Trust,’ which Roosevelt believed was sacrilegious. Saint-Gaudens wanted minimal lettering, but public opinion and government pressure led to its addition.

The Indian Head eagle stands as a testament to the collaboration between art and politics, showcasing how even in times of conflict, beauty can still shine through. Its legacy continues to captivate collectors and historians alike, reminding us that sometimes, it takes a little push from the right direction to create something truly remarkable.