1878 (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
$19,800 MS65 04-26-2020 Heritage Auctions
Description
Produced at the San Francisco Mint, the 1878 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle is part of the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 144,700, this is a less common issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 51% 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. The Bland-Allison Act focused on silver, but gold half eagle production continued at three mints. The San Francisco Mint, a Gold Rush-era institution, now specializes in proof and collector coinage. Estimated market value ranges from $1.3K to $5.5K 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 #8347.
External References
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