1861 Liberty Head Double Eagle

About This Coin

The 1861 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a United States Gold Double Eagle from the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series — 13th of 59 years in the series. In 1861, coins were struck at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 6.7 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 1.4 million. 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 1861 Paquet Reverse, with taller lettering, is one of the most famous double eagle varieties. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $27K to $9173K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $7200K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.