1838 Liberty Head Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1838 Liberty Head Eagle is a United States Gold Eagle from the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 series — the first year of the series. In 1838, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 7,205. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below the series median of 197,849. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet 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. First year of the Liberty Head Eagle, replacing the Capped Bust design after a 34-year gap in eagle production. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 16.7 grams, 26.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $5.8K to $689K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $550K in PR63 grade at David Akers. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
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.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(2)
1838 Liberty Head Eagle
1838 Proof Liberty Head Eagle
Other Base Coins in This Series
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