1853 "900" U.S. Assay Office Gold Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$64,625 MS63 04-23-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1853 U.S. Assay Office ten-dollar eagle with 900 fineness represents the standard gold purity achieved in the final year of Assay Office operations. The 900 fine marking matched the federal coinage standard exactly, removing any basis for discounting the coins in commercial transactions. This eagle served the practical needs of California’s retail economy during the transition to the San Francisco Mint. Merchants, laborers, and professionals relied on ten-dollar gold pieces as the primary medium for everyday high-value transactions. As a terminal issue from the U.S. Assay Office, this coin marks the end of an era. Within months of its production, the San Francisco Mint would begin striking federal gold coins, and the need for semi-official territorial coinage would evaporate permanently.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Approximately 60-100 examples survive. The 900 fineness eagle is more available than the corresponding double eagle.

Cross References

PCGS #10007; NGC #31106; U.S. Assay Office of Gold, San Francisco; 900 fineness