1873 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle - Closed 3

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1873

Denomination

Gold Half Eagle

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Proof

Series

Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908

Designer

Christian Gobrecht

Mintage

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

8.36g

Diameter

21.65mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$34,996 - $34,996

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

$63,000 SP64 08-09-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1873 Proof Liberty Head Half Eagle - Closed 3 is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 25, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 0% 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. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $35K. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8468.