EAGLE 1838-1866 Coronet - More Details
Two styles of this coin were created. The Liberty head used in 1838 and early 1839 is styled differently from coins produced later in 1839 and through the end of the series. The difference is subtle with the most prominent being in the shape of the neck of Miss Liberty. The Coronet style, also called the Liberty Head or Braided Hair motif, was used on the eagle beginning in 1838, two years earlier than on the quarter eagle and one year before the style was used on the half eagle.
The obverse depicts a female head facing left, her hair in a bun secured by a string of beads, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Stars surround, and the date is below. The reverse shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch, holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TEN D. surrounds. Mintages were continuous at the Philadelphia Mint. In addition, pieces were produced at New Orleans and San Francisco.
For type set purposes the numismatist can readily obtain an example of one of the more plentiful dates in grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine. AU pieces are scarcer, and Uncirculated pieces are quite scarce. Superb Uncirculated coins are seldom seen or encountered and are apt to come on the market only when great collections are marketed. Proofs were minted at Philadelphia and in all instances are rare.
The obverse depicts a female head facing left, her hair in a bun secured by a string of beads, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Stars surround, and the date is below. The reverse shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch, holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TEN D. surrounds. Mintages were continuous at the Philadelphia Mint. In addition, pieces were produced at New Orleans and San Francisco.
For type set purposes the numismatist can readily obtain an example of one of the more plentiful dates in grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine. AU pieces are scarcer, and Uncirculated pieces are quite scarce. Superb Uncirculated coins are seldom seen or encountered and are apt to come on the market only when great collections are marketed. Proofs were minted at Philadelphia and in all instances are rare.
Valuation
There are a number of scarce issues but those that occur in 1858 are the most rare. Consider this when buying what is claimed to be the most rare of all the production.
