$5 Half-Eagle, Liberty Type

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is one of the longest-running and most historically significant gold coins issued by the United States Mint. First introduced in 1839 and struck continuously until 1908, it spanned nearly seven decades of American history—from antebellum expansion to post-Civil War reconstruction and into the dawn of the 20th century. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the coin served as a staple of everyday commerce and banking during a period of rapid national growth. With multiple mint locations, wide circulation, and enduring design, the Liberty Head Half Eagle remains a foundational piece for collectors of classic U.S. gold coinage.

Key Features:

• Purity: Each $5 Liberty Half Eagle is struck from 90% gold (21.6 karats) and 10% copper, resulting in a total gold content of 0.2419 troy ounces. The copper alloy enhances the coin’s durability, allowing it to retain its detail despite heavy use in circulation.

• Design: The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” framed by 13 stars representing the original colonies and the date of issue below. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch. From 1866 onward, most coins also include the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the eagle. The design is neoclassical in style and reflects the artistic sensibilities of mid-19th-century America.

• Denomination: With a face value of $5, the Half Eagle was a key denomination used in daily transactions and larger financial dealings across the country. It was especially prevalent in western commerce and played an important role in gold-based banking and payroll systems.
  Legal Tender: Issued by the U.S. Mint and recognized as legal tender, the Liberty Head Half Eagle served as an essential part of the U.S. monetary system throughout the 19th century. Although no longer used in commerce, it remains a legally recognized and historically valuable gold coin.

• Collectability: The $5 Liberty Half Eagle is highly collectible due to its long mintage span, broad distribution, and regional mint variations—including scarce issues from New Orleans (O), Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), Carson City (CC), and San Francisco (S). Early southern mint issues and low-mintage Civil War-era coins are especially prized. With hundreds of date and mintmark combinations, the series offers depth for advanced collectors and accessibility for newcomers. Its historical context and enduring design make it a central piece in any U.S. gold type or date collection.

Compact, elegant, and rich in legacy, the $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coin stands as a testament to America's 19th-century coinage tradition and the enduring value of sovereign gold.