1842 Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small Letters
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$57,750 MS65 05-01-1995 Stack's
Description
The 1842 Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small Letters, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 collection. With a mintage of 27,578, this is a scarce issue — ranked 5th of 7 mint variants by mintage, with 17% of production. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet 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. Both large and small letter varieties exist at some mints. Charlotte and Dahlonega issues are scarce. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $1.7K to $31K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8207.
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