1857 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$576,000 PR66CAM 01-05-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1857 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of only 2, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #88447. The Liberty Head Half Eagle was produced for nearly 70 years, making it one of the longest-running U.S. Charlotte (C) and Dahlonega (D) issues are specialist pursuits. The 1854-S is extremely rare. The series spans the Gold Rush, Civil War, and the era of the great Western gold strikes.