View All 1856 Liberty Head Eagle

1856 (O) Liberty Head Eagle

Strike Type
1856 (O) Gold Eagle coin

Coin Details

Year
1856
Denomination
Gold Eagle
Mint Mark
O
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907
Designer
Christian Gobrecht
Mintage
14,500
Composition
90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight
16.7g
Diameter
26.8mm
Edge
Reeded

Value Estimates

$3,237 - $43,963

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$47,000 MS60 11-02-2016 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1856 (O) Liberty Head Eagle, struck at the New Orleans Mint, is part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 collection. With a mintage of 14,500, this is a scarce issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 10% of total production. 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. Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans struck eagles. The denomination was well-established. New Orleans's branch mint, active from 1838 through 1909, produced coins that carry a distinct historical significance tied to the antebellum and postbellum South. Estimated market value ranges from $3.2K to $44K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 16.7 grams, 26.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8620.

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