1861 (D) 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
$336,000 MS63 08-31-2022 Stack's Bowers
Description
Part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series, the 1861 (D) Liberty Head Half Eagle is a Gold Half Eagle from the Dahlonega Mint. With a mintage of 1,597, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 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. Charlotte and Dahlonega mints ceased operations due to the Civil War, ending Southern branch mint gold coinage. Coined at the Dahlonega Mint, a small Georgia facility that produced gold coins from local deposits for just 23 years before the Civil War. Estimated market value ranges from $43K to $314K 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 #8290.
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