$5 Liberty Head Half Eagle Certified MS61 (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 MS61, indicating an uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation. 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 all seven U.S. Mint facilities that produced federal coinage during this period: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver.

The series includes two major types. Coins struck from 1839 through 1866 were issued without the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. In 1866, the motto was added to a scroll above the eagle on the reverse and remained part of the design through the end of the series in 1908. Early issues also include variations in diameter and other minor design details, adding further variety to the series.

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, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination FIVE D. surround the design. Issues struck beginning in 1866 feature IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle, while earlier examples omit the motto.