1834-1838 Classic Head Type

Designed by: William Kneass
Issued Date: 1834-1838
Composition: 0.8992 parts gold, 0.1008 parts copper
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Weight: 129 grains
Edge: Reeded
Mint marks: Philadelphia (none); Dahlonega (D); Charlotte (C)
Total Business strike mintage: 2,113,612
Total Proof strike mintage: Fewer than 25

Following the Act of June 28, 1834, which reduced the weight and composition of gold coins, William Kneass, chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint, redesigned the half eagle. Known as the Classic Head style, the new 1834 issue is a cousin to the quarter eagle of the same date. 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, 5D. 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.