Gold
Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin

The Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin, or Half Eagle, was minted from 1839 to 1908 and remains one of the most iconic pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. Designed by Christian Gobrecht and struck in .900 fine gold, it contains 0.2419 troy ounces of pure gold. Featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, the coin is prized for its historical significance, classic design, and strong appeal among collectors and investors alike.

Purity
90%
Coin Weight
8.359 g
Condition
Circulated , Uncirculated
Dimension
21.6 mm
Weight
0.241 Troy oz

Craftsmanship: The Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin, also known as the Half Eagle, stands as a shining example of 19th-century American minting expertise. First struck in 1839 and continuing through 1908, it was the longest-running design for the Half Eagle denomination and became one of the most widely circulated U.S. gold coins of the 19th century. Crafted from .900 fine gold (90% gold, 10% copper), each coin contains 0.2419 troy ounces of pure gold, with a total weight of 8.359 grams.

Design Details: Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin is a masterwork of neoclassical style, symbolizing American ideals of liberty, unity, and national strength. The obverse features a profile portrait of Lady Liberty, facing left, wearing a coronet (crown) inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars encircle the bust, representing the original colonies, with the date of issue placed below. The reverse features a majestic heraldic eagle, adapted from the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle is shown with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other—symbols of peace and military readiness. Above the eagle, the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears (on coins minted after 1866), while the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE D." surround the image.

Investment and Legacy: The Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin holds a special place in the hearts of both investors and historians. As a coin that bridged the antebellum era, the Civil War, the Reconstruction period, and the dawn of the 20th century, it is a living artifact of American history. These coins circulated during the days of covered wagons, railroads, and westward expansion—often carried in pockets, safes, and saddlebags as reliable stores of value.

Why to sign up for Gold News

Open