1857 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small S
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
$5,040 AU53 04-13-2022 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1857 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle - Small S is a Gold Half Eagle produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 87,000, this is a scarce issue — ranked 4th of 6 mint variants by mintage, with 26% of 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. 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 $1.6K to $40K 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 #98275.
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