Augustus Saint-Gaudens, considered by many the greatest of modern sculptors, was the first person outside the Mint to have his work appear on U.S. Mint coins. In 1907 he was asked by President Theodore Roosevelt to redesign America's coins. It was at Roosevelt's suggestion that Saint-Gaudens used an Indian Head for the head of Liberty on the $10.00 Gold Piece. On the reverse he featured a standing eagle which clearly shows the majesty of the national bird. Around the edge are 46 raised stars (48 beginning in 1912) signifying the states of the Union. Collectors treasure this coin for its artistic as well as precious metal value. The first Eagles struck of this beautiful design did not include the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Roosevelt personally objected to the use of the Deity's name on coins. It took an act of Congress to restore the mottoin 1908. The $10.00 Gold Piece, known as the Eagle, was the highest denomination coin originally authorized by the United States. The Saint-Gaudens Indian Head was produced in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco from 1907 until 1933, when gold coinage stopped and the Treasury requested citizens to return all gold coins for melting. This replica coin is minted of brass then layered with pure 24k gold.
