1839 Proof Classic Head Quarter Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$188,000 PR62 08-02-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1839 Proof Classic Head Quarter Eagle is a proof Gold Quarter Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of 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. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $188,000 PR62 08-02-2012 Heritage Auctions. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, 17.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7715.