1846 Proof Liberty Head Eagle

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Description

The 1846 Proof Liberty Head Eagle is a proof Gold Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 series. An estimated 3 proof eagles dated 1846 were struck; the Mint did not record proof mintages before 1858. 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. 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. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 16.72 grams, 27 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8782.