1849 Proof Liberty Head Double Eagle - Pattern

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1849

Denomination

Gold Double Eagle

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Proof

Series

Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

33.44g

Diameter

34mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$19,641,381

Value as of May 2026, from the one price recorded for this coin. Actual sales can differ. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $2,490
Sold: 5 December 2022
Grade: NGC Genuine
Auction house: eBay

Description

The 1849 Proof Liberty Head Double Eagle - Pattern is a pattern Gold Double Eagle struck in proof at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series. Two pieces struck while the dies were being prepared in 1849 are accounted for: one is in the Smithsonian's National Numismatic Collection, and the other, sent to Treasury Secretary William M. Meredith, is unlocated. Regular production began in 1850. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while 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. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.44 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #71908. The Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20 gold) was the largest regular-issue gold denomination, introduced in 1849 following the California Gold Rush. Shipwreck recoveries (SS Central America, SS Republic) have introduced thousands of pristine examples to the market.