1856 Liberty Head Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1856 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series — 18th of 70 years in the series. In 1856, coins were struck at the Charlotte, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dahlonega, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 361,335. This ranks 36th of 70 years by total mintage, above 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. Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco all produced half eagles alongside Philadelphia. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.4K to $63K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $54K in MS65 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.