HALF EAGLE 1834-1838 Classic Head - More Details

Known as the "Classic Head” style, the new 1834 issue is a cousin to the quarter eagle of the same date. Consistent with the design of the Quarter Eagle, the Half Eagle contained less gold and more copper. In examining any gold coin of the era, the presence of copper is often evidenced by the spotting of coins as the copper oxidizes. The obverse depicts the head of Miss Liberty facing left, her hair secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY, with stars circling her head, and with the date below. The reverse shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 5 D. surrounds. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, used earlier, was discontinued. Quarter eagles of this style were produced at the Philadelphia Mint continuously from 1834 through 1838 and at Charlotte and Dahlonega in 1838 only. Most of the mintage was accomplished at Philadelphia. Charlotte and Dahlonega pieces are rare. The type set collector can readily obtain examples of Philadelphia issues in this span in grades from Very Fine to Extremely Fine. AU coins are scarce, Uncirculated pieces are elusive, and superb Uncirculated coins are very rare. Most examples are not sharply struck on the higher parts of the obverse.

Beware the grading of gold coins of this era. The spotting or oxidizing of copper can be very evident and detracting from the beauty of the coin. However, the presence of these spots are often not considered in the grading process. This produces a wide range of quality and aesthetics in coins apparently graded equally.