1879 (S) 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
$12,925 MS64+ 11-01-2013 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1879 (S) Liberty Head Eagle is a Gold Eagle produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Liberty Head Eagles 1838-1907 series. With a mintage of 224,000, this is a less common issue — ranked 3rd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 37% 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. Resumption of specie payments. Gold eagles circulated freely for the first time since 1861. 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 $2.5K to $8.5K 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 #8686.
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