1856 (O) Liberty Head Half Eagle
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
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
$25,850 MS62 09-09-2016 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1856 (O) Liberty Head Half Eagle is a Gold Half Eagle produced at the New Orleans Mint as part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 10,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 5 mint variants, representing only 3% 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. Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco all produced half eagles alongside Philadelphia. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins prized for their historical Southern provenance. Estimated market value ranges from $2.1K to $43K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8269.
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