1846 Liberty Head Half Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1846 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series — an early issue, 8th of 70 years in the series. In 1846, coins were struck at the Dahlonega, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 943,178. This ranks 48th of 70 years by total mintage, above the series median of 360,195. 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. Mexican-American War begins. Half eagles from Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans continued production. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.4K to $80K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $161K in PR64 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(7)

1846 (C) Liberty Head Half Eagle

1846 (D) Liberty Head Half Eagle

1846 (D) Liberty Head Half Eagle - D/D

1846 (O) Liberty Head Half Eagle

1846 Liberty Head Half Eagle - Large Date

1846 Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small Date
