Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1838-1866
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 27 mm
Weight: 16.72 grams (258.02 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 5,292,499
Proof Mintage: 400 (estimated)

Christian Gobrecht's 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.

The Liberty head used in 1838 and early 1839 is slightly differently styled than that used later in 1839, continuing to the end of the series. The most prominent difference can be noted in the shape of the neck truncation. Mintages were continuous at the Philadelphia Mint. In addition, pieces were produced at New Orleans and San Francisco. A number of scarce issues occur in the span, with 1858 in particular considered to be rare.

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.