Circulation Strike Circulation Strike

Circulation Strike

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1839-1866
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 22.5 mm (1839-1840); 21.6 mm (1840-1866)
Weight: 8.36 grams (129.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 9,114,049

Following the almost complete disappearance of U.S. half eagles in the mid-1830s, the Classic Head design was quickly rushed into production to replenish the supply. It was struck only until 1838, and the following year, Christian Gobrecht’s new Liberty Head design made its appearance. It was a pleasing and clean design, shared with both the quarter eagle and eagle, and with only one minor modification, would continue virtually unchanged for 69 years until 1908.

Today, few collectors attempt a complete set of Liberty half eagles as there are several extremely rare dates – the 1861-D, 1864-S, and one prohibitively rare date, the 1854-S of which a total of two are known.

1839 Liberty Head Half Eagle
1839 Liberty Head Half Eagle
Circulation Mintage: 118,143
Obverse Text:

1839 | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FIVE D.

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1839-C Liberty Head Half Eagle
1839-C Liberty Head Half Eagle
Circulation Mintage: 17,205
Obverse Text:

1839 | C | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FIVE D.

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1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle
1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle
Circulation Mintage: 18,939
Obverse Text:

1839 | LIBERTY | D

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FIVE D.

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1842-C Liberty Head Half Eagle
1842-C Liberty Head Half Eagle
Variety: Small Date
Circulation Mintage: 4,595
Estimated Survivors: Less Than 100 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1842 | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FIVE D. | C

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1866-S Liberty Head Half Eagle
1866-S Liberty Head Half Eagle
Variety: No Motto
Circulation Mintage: 9,000
Obverse Text:

1866 | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FIVE D. | S

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