1830 Templeton Reid Ten Dollar Gold Piece

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120,000 • VF Details • 08-2021 • Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1830 Templeton Reid Ten Dollar Gold Piece (Kagin K-3) is the largest regular denomination struck by Templeton Reid at his private mint in Gainesville, Georgia. This eagle features "GEORGIA GOLD" with the date 1830 surrounded by stars on the obverse, and "TEN DOLLARS" with "TEMPLETON REID / ASSAYER" on the reverse. The reverse die is shared with the undated K-4 variety. Templeton Reid established his mint during the Georgia Gold Rush of 1830, becoming the first private minter to operate under the Constitution. His eagles were struck from native Georgia gold at approximately .942 fineness, significantly exceeding the .917 federal standard. The superior quality of his coins was later confirmed by Philadelphia Mint testing in 1842, vindicating Reid against the anonymous "No Assayer" critic whose newspaper attacks forced the mint's closure after just three months of operation. An estimated 250 eagles were struck across both the dated (K-3) and undated (K-4) varieties, with approximately five K-3 specimens known to survive. Three are in institutional collections and two or three in private hands, including the famed Dukes Creek Collection set of three Templeton Reid gold pieces that sold together for $1.2 million. The K-3 eagle last appeared at public auction in Heritage's August 2021 sale, where a VF Details example realized $120,000.

Rarity Notes

Approximately 5 known K-3 specimens (dated variety). Combined K-3/K-4 production estimated at ~250 eagles. Three institutional, 2-3 in private hands.

Cross References

Kagin K-3; PCGS #10326; NGC #31004