1849 Liberty Head Double Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1849 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a United States Gold Double Eagle from the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series — the first year of the series. In 1849, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. 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 surrounded by a glory of rays. The 1849 pattern is unique and resides in the Smithsonian — arguably the most famous single coin in the National Numismatic Collection. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Estimated market value across variants is approximately $19641K. A notable auction result reached $2.5K in NGC Genuine grade at eBay. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
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(1)
Other Base Coins in This Series
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