1859 Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). Plenty of lively mint luster remains on both sides of this boldly defined, pinkish-honey example. The 1859 is a grossly underrated No Motto Liberty Head half eagle in all grades, especially in AU and Mint State preservation. The mintage of 16,734 pieces is similar to that of many of the more highly regarded mintmarked half eagles of the era, but the 1859 is actually more elusive in todays market. Clearly, this attractive and rare survivor represents a significant find for gold collectors.