1866-S Eagle No Motto - 1866-S $10 NGC XF45 CAC. This scarce, low mintage Western branch mint 1866-S Eagle, No Motto is the only piece confirmed by CAC as of May 2012. Traces of mint luster remain in protected areas. This 1866-S Eagle, No Motto coin shows even, light wear consistent with the grade. The XF45 is confirmed by CAC, which indicates that the coin is of premium quality and well within the range of the grade assigned. The surfaces of this 1866-S Eagle, No Motto are original and relatively free of distracting abrasions or other marks.

The last date for the Liberty Head, No Motto eagle was supposed to have been 1865. However in 1866, 8,500 S mint No Motto coins were issued because the new reverse die had not arrived in San Francisco. Later that year when more eagles were made, 11,500 With Motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1866-S coins were minted.

The San Francisco Mint opened in 1854 because of the need to coin gold resulting from the California Gold Rush. In the West there was an abundance of gold bullion, nuggets and dust; however, there was also an acute shortage of circulating coinage. Congress authorized this mint to relive the shortage and coin silver and gold and because transportation of bullion to Philadelphia was time consuming and hazardous. Because of its proximity to the Gold Rush area, San Francisco was chosen as the site of the new mint. In 1874 it moved into a new building called the Old United States Mint or the Granite Lady. It is one of the few structures that survived the earthquake of 1906. It remained in service as a mint until 1938, when the present facility opened.

In its first year of operation the Mint made four million dollars in gold coins from bullion. The second building, the Old United States Mint, was designed by Alfred B. Mullett in Greek Revival style. It was built in an E-shape with a central pediment portico. There was a completely enclosed courtyard that had a well. It was these features that saved it in the fire that resulted from the earthquake of 1906. The building was situated on a concrete and granite foundation that was made to prevent tunneling into its vaults. In 1906 there was $300 million, a third of the United States gold reserves, in its vaults. Frank Leach and his men worked heroically to successfully preserve the building and the bullion. The mint was able to resume service and operated until 1937. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

Only 40 to 55 No Motto 1866-S Eagles are known today. In its population report, NGC shows 8 in XF45 condition with 20 better. PCGS shows 10 with 5 better. At CAC, as of May 2012, only this 1866-S Eagle, No Motto has been confirmed.