View All 1857 Liberty Head Double Eagle

1857 (S) Liberty Head Double Eagle

Strike Type
1857 (S) Gold Double Eagle coin

Coin Details

Year
1857
Denomination
Gold Double Eagle
Mint Mark
S
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
970,500
Composition
90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight
33.4g
Diameter
34mm
Edge
Reeded

Value Estimates

$5,020 - $10,835

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

$168,000 MS67+ 01-15-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1857 (S) Liberty Head Double Eagle is a Gold Double Eagle from the San Francisco Mint, belonging to the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series. With a mintage of 970,500, this is a less common issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 67% 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 surrounded by a glory of rays. The SS Central America sank carrying thousands of 1857-S double eagles, many recovered in pristine condition beginning in 1988. Coined at the San Francisco Mint, which transitioned from Gold Rush-era production to its modern role producing proof and collector issues. Estimated market value ranges from $5.0K to $11K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8922.

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