1856 (S) Liberty Head 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
$19,550 MS63 12-01-2000 Christie's
Description
The 1856 (S) Liberty Head Eagle is a Gold Eagle produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 series. With a mintage of 68,000, this is a scarce issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 48% of the year's 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. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $2.5K to $64K 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 #8621.
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