1848 Proof Liberty Head Quarter Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$99,000 PR62 05-01-1998 David Akers

Description

The 1848 Proof Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a proof Gold Quarter Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles 1840-1907 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 5 mint variants, representing only less than 1% 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. The 1848 CAL. countermark coins, struck from the first California Gold Rush bullion received at the Philadelphia Mint, are highly prized. 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 original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $99,000 PR62 05-01-1998 David Akers. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, 18 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7874.