1859 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
$21,150 MS62 04-26-2015 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1859 Liberty Head Half Eagle, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 collection. With a mintage of 16,734, this is a scarce issue — ranked 4th of 5 mint variants by mintage, with 20% 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. Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco struck half eagles in the final antebellum years. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1.5K to $23K 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 #8280.
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