1881 (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
$11,000 MS65 08-10-1990 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1881 (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. The U.S. Mint produced 969,000 examples, making this ranked 2nd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 8% 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. High mintage year at Philadelphia; the half eagle was a workhorse gold denomination. 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 $1.5K 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 #8357.
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