1870 Liberty Head Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1870 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Liberty Head Half Eagle was produced for nearly 70 years, making it one of the longest-running U.S. gold coin designs. It was struck at seven mint facilities including the Southern branch mints at Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse in 1866. Charlotte (C) and Dahlonega (D) issues are specialist pursuits. The 1854-S is extremely rare. The series spans the Gold Rush, Civil War, and the era of the great Western gold strikes.