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1861 (S) Liberty Head Eagle

Strike Type
1861 (S) Gold Eagle coin

Coin Details

Year
1861
Denomination
Gold Eagle
Mint Mark
S
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907
Designer
Christian Gobrecht
Mintage
15,500
Composition
90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight
16.7g
Diameter
26.8mm
Edge
Reeded

Value Estimates

$6,748 - $80,573

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

$67,563 MS61 08-02-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1861 (S) Liberty Head Eagle is a Gold Eagle produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 series. With a mintage of 15,500, this is a scarce issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 12% of total 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. Civil War began. New Orleans Mint was seized by the Confederacy; Philadelphia and San Francisco continued. 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 $6.7K to $81K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 16.7 grams, 26.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8634.

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