1881 (CC) Liberty Head Half Eagle

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1881

Denomination

Gold Half Eagle

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908

Designer

Christian Gobrecht

Mintage

13,886

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

8.36g

Diameter

21.65mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$3,331 - $87,572

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $57,500
Sold: 1 January 2007
Grade: MS63
Auction house: Stack's

Description

The 1881 (CC) Liberty Head Half Eagle was struck at the Carson City Mint as a Gold Half Eagle in the Liberty Head Half Eagles 1839-1908 series. The Carson City Mint struck 13,886 half eagles dated 1881. 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 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle. High mintage year at Philadelphia; the half eagle was a workhorse gold denomination. Coined at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, which operated from 1870 to 1893. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.65 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8356.