1857 $10 AU50 Certification #09910023, PCGS #8622

Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", states, "In 1857, the production of eagles at the Philadelphia Mint suffered a dramatic reduction to levels not seen since before 1845. Although a fair number of these coins survived, they circulated heavily, which means that most collectors are forced to accept VF and EF examples. About Uncirculated examples can be obtained at the AU50 level, but anything nicer is a real rarity, and in Mint State, this date is extremely rare." David Aker's Auction Analysis Volume V, suggests, "The 1857 is a very rare and underrated date. It is not often available in any condition and when offered for sale, VF or EF is the grade. A small number of AU examples are known but I have seen only two strictly uncirculated pieces and neither one was choice. In terms of overall rarity, the 1857 is similar to the 1851 and 1854, but it is even more difficult to obtain in high grade." Q. David Bowers' "Red Book" - "A Guide Book of Gold Eagles Coins" concludes under the heading "Keys to collecting": VF and EF are typical grades encountered. Scarce in all grades. AU coins are somewhat scarce."

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1857 is a very rare and underrated date. It is not often available in any condition and when offered for sale, VF or EF is the grade. A small number of AU examples are known but I have seen only two strictly uncirculated pieces and neither one was choice. In terms of overall rarity, the 1857 is similar to the 1851 and 1854, but it is even more difficult to obtain in high grade.