1856 Liberty Head Double Eagle

About This Coin

The 1856 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a United States Gold Double Eagle from the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series — an early issue, 8th of 59 years in the series. In 1856, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 1.5 million. This ranks 32nd of 58 years by total mintage, above the series median of 1.4 million. 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. Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco production. Double eagles were primary instruments of gold commerce. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $5.0K to $1220K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1438K in SP63 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.