1855 Liberty Head Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1855 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series — 17th of 70 years in the series. In 1855, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, Charlotte, San Francisco, and Dahlonega Mints with a combined mintage of 273,852. This ranks 30th of 70 years by total mintage, below 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. San Francisco established regular half eagle production. Dahlonega and Charlotte continued. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (cud). Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.4K to $55K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $67K in MS65 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.