1859 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1859

Denomination

Gold Half Eagle

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Proof

Series

Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908

Designer

Christian Gobrecht

Mintage

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

8.36g

Diameter

21.65mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$63,170

Value as of May 2026, from the one price recorded for this coin. Actual sales can differ. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $133,212
Sold: 6 March 2013
Grade: PR64
Auction house: Morton & Eden Ltd

Description

The 1859 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. The Philadelphia Mint struck 80 proof half eagles dated 1859. 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. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #88449.