1838 (C) Classic Head Quarter 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
$40,250 MS63 01-01-1999 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1838 (C) Classic Head Quarter Eagle, struck at the Charlotte Mint, is part of the Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839 collection. With a mintage of 7,880, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 14% of total production. 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. The 1838-C is one of the first coins struck at the new Charlotte Mint — a milestone in Southern branch mint coinage. Coined at the Charlotte Mint, a gold-only facility that operated in North Carolina for just 23 years before the Civil War ended its production. Estimated market value ranges from $5.0K to $80K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, 18.2 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7697.
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