America in 1841 was a much different place than the 21st century. In 1841, the Republic of Texas, which had gained independence from Mexico in 1836, sought annexation by the United States. However, annexation was a contentious issue, and it would not be until 1845 that Texas officially became a state in the United States. The United States faced economic challenges during this period, including a financial crisis and a banking panic known as the “Panic of 1837.” These economic difficulties continued into 1841, leading to financial instability and hardship for many Americans. 1841 Fairmont Collection gold coins transport you back to this early period of industrial change in the United States.
In 1841, the famous $10 Liberty Head Eagle was in just its four year of availability in what would turn out to be a nearly 70-year run as the obverse/reverse design of the $10 Gold Eagle. Designed by Christian Gobrecht in 1838, the 1841 release was unique in that it was the first to feature a $10 Gold Eagle struck somewhere other than Philadelphia.
During the course of production, the Philadelphia Mint issued 63,131 coins, a figure that was then the highest in the program’s history. In addition, the newly opened New Orleans Mint in the American South issued its first-ever US Eagles with a total of 2,500 coins struck.