1879 (O) Liberty Head 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
$88,125 MS61 06-04-2014 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1879 (O) Liberty Head Eagle, struck at the New Orleans Mint, is part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 collection. With a mintage of 1,500, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total 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. Resumption of specie payments. Gold eagles circulated freely for the first time since 1861. New Orleans's branch mint, active from 1838 through 1909, produced coins that carry a distinct historical significance tied to the antebellum and postbellum South. Estimated market value ranges from $16K to $107K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 16.7 grams, 26.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8685.
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