1861 (S) 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
$16,800 AU58 10-30-2018 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1861 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle 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 18,000, this is a scarce issue — ranked 3rd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 3% 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. Charlotte and Dahlonega mints ceased operations due to the Civil War, ending Southern branch mint gold coinage. 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 $4.8K to $38K 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 #8291.
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