1842 (C) Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small Date
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$166,750 MS63 01-03-2012 Heritage Auctions
Description
A Gold Half Eagle from the Charlotte Mint, the 1842 (C) Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small Date belongs to the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 4,595, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 7 mint variants, representing only 3% 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. Both large and small letter varieties exist at some mints. Charlotte and Dahlonega issues are scarce. The Charlotte Mint in North Carolina struck gold coins exclusively from 1838 until the Civil War forced its closure in 1861. Estimated market value ranges from $13K to $188K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8208.
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