1856 (O) 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
$25,850 MS62 09-09-2016 Heritage Auctions
Description
Produced at the New Orleans Mint, the 1856 (O) Liberty Head Half Eagle is part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 10,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 5 mint variants, representing only 3% 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. Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco all produced half eagles alongside Philadelphia. New Orleans's branch mint, active from 1838 through 1909, produced coins that carry a distinct historical significance tied to the antebellum and postbellum South. Estimated market value ranges from $2.1K to $43K 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 #8269.
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