1856 Liberty Head Half Eagle
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
$54,050 MS65 04-26-2015 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1856 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a Gold Half Eagle minted at the Philadelphia Mint, within the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 197,990, this is a less common issue — the highest mintage among 5 variants, accounting for 55% of the year's 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. Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco all produced half eagles alongside Philadelphia. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1.4K to $11K 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 #8266.
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