1838 Classic Head Quarter Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1838 Classic Head Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839 series — a late issue, 5th of 6 years in the series. In 1838, coins were struck at the Charlotte and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 54,912. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below the series median of 94,433. 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. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $947 to $80K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $235K in MS67 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by William Kneass.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
