1838 Classic Head Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1838 Classic Head Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Classic Head Half Eagles 1834-1838 series — the final year of the series. In 1838, coins were struck at the Dahlonega, Philadelphia, and Charlotte Mints with a combined mintage of 324,350. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below the series median of 371,534. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a fillet or headband inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM without the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Charlotte and Dahlonega began operations, striking their first half eagles — a milestone in Southern branch mint coinage. The 1838-C and 1838-D are significant firsts. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 22.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.4K to $314K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $253K in MS66 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by William Kneass.