1844 (O) Proof Liberty Head Eagle

Coin Details

Description

The 1844 (O) Proof Liberty Head Eagle is a proof Gold Eagle struck at the New Orleans Mint, part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 series. With a mintage of 1, this is an extremely rare issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 0% of 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. 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 New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins prized for their historical Southern provenance. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, 26.8 mm in diameter. Cataloged as PCGS #932209.