The 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a significant gold coin in American numismatic history. This article explores its design, historical context, and market value to help collectors and investors understand its importance and potential.
Historical Significance
The year 1846 was a notable period in U.S. history, marked by events like the Mexican-American War. The Liberty Head Quarter Eagles were minted in three locations: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Charlotte, each adding a unique aspect to the coin’s story.
Philadelphia Mint: Produced 21,498 Quarter Eagles, known for their detailed strike and relative abundance.
New Orleans Mint (O Mintmark): Minted 62,000 coins during a time of military preparation. These coins are often found with weaker strikes, especially in the hair detail and the eagle’s right leg.
Charlotte Mint (C Mintmark): Struck 4,808 coins. Due to fewer coins and a fire that delayed production, these are highly sought after.
Design and Features
The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Chief Engraver. The coin features Liberty wearing a coronet with “LIBERTY” and an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch on the reverse. This design reflects the nation’s aspirations and artistic style of the mid-19th century.
Market Data and Valuation
Condition and Rarity:
- Philadelphia Mint: The highest grade known is MS63, with only three coins achieving this grade.
- New Orleans Mint: Rare in high grades, with an MS65 coin valued at about $132,000 due to its excellent condition and historical importance.
- Charlotte Mint: Coins from this mint are extremely rare in mint state, with values reaching over $40,000 at auctions.
Investment Perspective
The 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a valuable investment due to its historical significance and rarity. Its value tends to appreciate over time, making it a worthy addition to any collection.
Detailed Specifications
| Mint | Mintage | Notable Auction Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 21,498 | Up to $18,800 |
| New Orleans | 62,000 | Up to $132,000 |
| Charlotte | 4,808 | Up to $54,625 |
Summary Table
| Mint | Key Features | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Well-struck with significant output | Common |
| New Orleans | Often weakly struck, high historical value | Rare |
| Charlotte | Extremely rare, affected by historical events | Scarce |
1. What is the significance of the 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle?
The 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a historically important coin from a pivotal year in U.S. history. It is valued for its design, rarity, and historical context.
2. How many 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagles were minted in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Mint produced 21,498 of these coins.
3. Why are New Orleans Mint Quarter Eagles often found with weak strikes?
The New Orleans Mint’s coins sometimes have weak strikes due to the conditions under which they were produced, affecting details like the hair and the eagle’s right leg.
4. Why are Charlotte Mint Quarter Eagles so valuable?
Charlotte Mint Quarter Eagles are rare because only 4,808 were minted, and a historical fire delayed their production, making them highly sought after.
5. What factors influence the value of the 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle?
The coin’s value is influenced by its mint location, condition, and rarity. Higher-grade coins and those from less common mints are generally more valuable.
