$5 Liberty Head Half Eagle Certified MS63 (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a classic United States gold coin produced from 1839 through 1908. Designed by U.S. Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht, the series features a neoclassical portrait of Liberty and remained in production for nearly 70 years. This example is certified MS63, indicating an uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation and attractive overall quality for the grade. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

The Liberty Head Half Eagle debuted in 1839, replacing the earlier Classic Head design. Over its long production run, the series was struck at Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver. This makes the Liberty Head Half Eagle the only U.S. coin type produced at all seven federal mint facilities that operated during the series.

The series includes two major types. No Motto Half Eagles were produced from 1839 through 1866. In 1866, IN GOD WE TRUST was added to a scroll above the eagle on the reverse, creating the With Motto type that continued through the end of the series in 1908. Early issues also include variations in diameter and other minor design details.

Design

The obverse features Christian Gobrecht's left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Her hair is pulled back into a bun and secured with beads, while thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait and the date appears below.

The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination FIVE D. surround the design. With Motto issues feature IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle, while earlier No Motto examples omit the inscription.