1878 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
$19,550 MS66 11-13-1998 Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1878 Liberty Head Half Eagle represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 131,720, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 46% 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. The Bland-Allison Act focused on silver, but gold half eagle production continued at three mints. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1.3K to $2.7K 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 #8345.
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