1908 $10 Motto MS(PCGS#8859)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

24033

Grade

MS62

Price

4,080

Lot Description

With a sharp strike and full mint luster, this lightly abraded example delivers solid quality and strong eye appeal for the certified MS-62 grade. Honey-orange color is also highly appealing and speaks volumes about this coin's originality. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' original design for the Indian eagle did not include the motto IN GOD WE TRUST because President Theodore Roosevelt believed it to be sacrilegious. Congress, upset that Roosevelt took this action without their consent, demanded the motto be restored. Chief Engraver Charles Barber modified the dies in 1908 to add it before the eagle's breast on the reverse, where it would remain until 1933. Overall, the quality of 1908 Motto eagles is very high and offers a pleasing example of the design.