1831 Proof Capped Head to Left Half Eagle

Coin Details

Description

The 1831 Proof Capped Head to Left Half Eagle is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Capped Head to Left Half Eagles 1813-1834 series. With a mintage of 3, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a cap with curls of hair beneath and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. 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 original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 8.75 grams, 23.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8165.