1839 Classic Head Quarter Eagle

About This Coin

The 1839 Classic Head Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839 series — the final year of the series. In 1839, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Dahlonega, Charlotte, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 76,621. This ranks 3rd of 6 years by total mintage, 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. Final year of the Classic Head type. The 1839-C and 1839-D are collected as early Southern branch mint gold issues. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.1K to $80K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $188K in PR62 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by William Kneass.