The Coinage Act of 1792 established the $10 “Eagle” as the nation’s largest denomination. Although a significant number of Draped Bust $10 pieces were struck and issued, the rise in global gold prices in response to France’s “Reign of Terror” and the Napoleonic Wars caused gold coins to disappear due to hoarding and melting. Much of the Mint’s production went into the hands of speculators and bullion dealers, bypassing the channels of commerce completely. Accordingly, President Thomas Jefferson halted the production of gold eagles in 1804. Today, Early Ten Dollar Gold Eagles, issued from 1795 to 1804, are a treasured numismatic legacy and suitable for the finest of collections.