1839 Liberty Half Eagle

HBCC#:

1021

Breen#:

6519

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

Christian Gobrecht was responsible for the Liberty Head design appearing on our gold coinage, beginning in 1838 on eagles, 1839 on half eagles, and 1840 on quarter eagles. Branch Mint examples of this year have the mintmark on the obverse above the date. Beginning in 1840, the mintmark was moved to the reverse. This single year type coin is quite rare in Mint-State quality.

Provenance:

From Superior's session of Auction '85, July 1985, Lot 943.

Obverse:

Head of Miss Liberty faces left, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, her hair in a bun at back of her head, held in place by a beaded cord. Around, 13 stars are evenly spaced with the date below.

Reverse:

An eagle with wings spread has head turned to observer's left. A shield covers the eagle's breast. An olive branch is held in the dexter claw and three arrows in the sinister claw. Around, the statutory legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the denomination below.

Commentary: