1834 Proof Classic Head Half Eagle - Plain 4

Coin Details

Auction Record

$78,000 UNC Details 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1834 Proof Classic Head Half Eagle - Plain 4 is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Classic Head Half Eagles 1834-1838 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a fillet or headband 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 without the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. First year of the Classic Head design with reduced gold weight. Plain 4 and Crosslet 4 varieties exist. High production as older heavy coins were retired. 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. Auction record: $78,000 UNC Details 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers. Struck in 89.9% gold, 10.1% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 22.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8180.