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
The 1878 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle is a Gold Half Eagle produced at the San Francisco Mint as 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. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. 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.
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