$5 Liberty AU (Dates/Types Vary)

Introduction

The $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle in AU condition offers a lightly circulated example of one of the longest-running gold coin designs in U.S. history. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty Head Half Eagle was struck from .900 fine gold and contains approximately 0.2419 troy oz of pure gold. AU examples retain substantial original design detail while showing light evidence of circulation. Dates, mintmarks, and design types may vary.

History

The Liberty Head Half Eagle was introduced in 1839 and remained in production through 1908. Its nearly seven-decade run spanned major periods of American history, including the California Gold Rush, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the nation's expansion into the 20th century.

The series is divided into two major design types. Type I, issued from 1839 through 1866, does not include the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Type II was introduced in 1866 and added the motto on a ribbon above the eagle on the reverse. Because both designs were produced during 1866, the exact type cannot always be determined by date alone.

Over the course of the series, Liberty Head Half Eagles were produced at Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver. The exact date, mint, mintmark, and design type received may vary.

Design

The obverse features Christian Gobrecht's left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, with the coin's date positioned below.

The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and FIVE D. identify the issuing nation and denomination. Type II examples also display the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above the eagle. Mintmark placement and other design details vary according to the date and issue represented.