1842 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle

About This Coin

The 1842 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles 1840-1907 series — an early issue, 3rd of 68 years in the series. In 1842, coins were struck at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, Dahlonega, and Charlotte Mints with a combined mintage of 33,998. This ranks 33rd of 68 years by total mintage, below the series median of 36,397. 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. Philadelphia and Charlotte mints produced quarter eagles, with modest mintages across all facilities. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, 18 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.1K to $93K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $183K in MS65 grade at David Lawrence RC. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.