1859 (C) 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
$104,500 MS66 05-01-1995 Stack's
Description
A Gold Half Eagle from the Charlotte Mint, the 1859 (C) Liberty Head Half Eagle belongs to the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 31,847, this is a scarce issue — the highest mintage among 5 variants, accounting for 39% 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, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco struck half eagles in the final antebellum years. Charlotte's North Carolina mint operated from 1838 to 1861, striking gold coins from regional deposits — all Charlotte mint coins are scarce today. Estimated market value ranges from $4.0K to $47K 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 #8281.
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