1857 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
$16,100 MS64 09-01-1998 Superior Galleries
Description
Part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series, the 1857 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a Gold Half Eagle from the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 98,188, this is a scarce issue — the highest mintage among 6 variants, accounting for 29% 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. Multiple mint production continued; the 1857-S is a substantial San Francisco issue. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $1.4K to $7.9K 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 #8271.
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