1879 (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
$23,000 MS65 11-29-2006 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1879 (S) Liberty Head Half Eagle was struck at the San Francisco Mint as a Gold Half Eagle in the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. With a mintage of 426,200, this is a less common issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 57% 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. Resumption of specie payments; gold coins re-entered everyday commerce. The San Francisco Mint, a Gold Rush-era institution, now specializes in proof and collector coinage. Estimated market value ranges from $1.3K to $2.5K 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 #8350.
External References
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