1834 Classic Head Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1834 Classic Head Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Classic Head Half Eagles 1834-1838 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a fillet or headband inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM without the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by William Kneass. Struck in 89.9% gold, 10.1% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 22.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Like its Quarter Eagle counterpart, the Classic Head Half Eagle was introduced after the 1834 gold weight reduction. The motto removal helped distinguish new-weight coins from older, heavier ones that were being exported for melt. A transitional series including the first Charlotte and Dahlonega mint gold coins (1838). Short-lived and accessible to type collectors.