1844 (O) Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle

Coin Details

Description

The 1844 (O) Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the New Orleans Mint, part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 1, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 6 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total 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. Half eagles struck at Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans during the Texas annexation era. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins prized for their historical Southern provenance. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #98456.