1839 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$199,750 PR61 08-02-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1839 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total production. 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 Half Eagle, beginning a 69-year run. 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: $199,750 PR61 08-02-2012 Heritage Auctions. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 22.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8428.