1866 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle - Motto
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
$40,800 MS61 08-31-2022 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1866 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle - Motto represents a San Francisco Mint issue from the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 34,920, this is a scarce issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 69% 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. Motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" added to the reverse. Coined at the San Francisco Mint, which transitioned from Gold Rush-era production to its modern role producing proof and collector issues. Estimated market value ranges from $2.2K to $31K 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 #8312.
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