Mint Engraver Charles Barber used the Saint Gaudens design and inspiration to ultimately come up
with this design. It is the third and final Indian Head Eagle dated 1907 and it became the regular issue after the U.S. Mint feared the public might be unhappy with the earlier Rolled Edge version.

The periods of this design were removed and the branch below the eagle on the reverse has a different shape. The central hair on the obverse and the feathers on the reverse are typically weaker than later issues but the ends of the feathers were strengthened.

It is a first- year issue and is among the most beautiful coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint. As a result, many examples were saved by collectors and the issue is relatively easy to find in most grades up to Gem Uncirculated and higher. Three pieces have attained an MS68 grade as of March 2010 by PCGS and NGC combined.

Roman and Matte Proof Coins and Unique Luster

There are two Proofs known from this issue. The first issue is a Roman Finish Proof struck in a higher relief than the second, which is in a Matte Proof finish. Both were likely struck on a medal press and were used to present Mint Authorities with what the new design was to look like under the implementation of a properly operated Janvier Reduction machine.

This issue is known for being very well produced with sharp detail seen in the central portions of Liberty’s headdress and the peripheral stars. There is also further pronounced definition in the higher parts of the eagle’s wing.

Most can be found with deep, satiny luster and an occasional few have also been seen with frosted devices. The coloration is generally yellow-gold but many show strong hues of green-gold, orange-gold or a rarer reddish-gold.