1856 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle

About This Coin

The 1856 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles 1840-1907 series — 17th of 68 years in the series. In 1856, coins were struck at the New Orleans, Dahlonega, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 486,251. This ranks 62nd of 68 years by total mintage, above the series median of 36,397. 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. Final year of Dahlonega quarter eagle production. The 1856-D is a scarce late Southern mint issue. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, 18 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $948 to $155K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $144K in AU58 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.