1835 Classic Head Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1835 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. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. 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.