$5 Liberty Head Half Eagle VF (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 was struck for nearly seven decades. This example is offered in Very Fine (VF) condition, showing moderate circulation wear while retaining clear major design details. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

The Liberty Head Half Eagle debuted in 1839, replacing the earlier Classic Head design. The $5 half eagle was an important denomination in American commerce, and Liberty Head examples were produced at all seven U.S. Mint facilities that operated during the series: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver.

The series includes two major reverse types. Coins struck from 1839 through part of 1866 were issued without the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Beginning in 1866, the motto was added on a scroll above the eagle and remained part of the design through the end of the series in 1908. Because dates vary for this product, individual coins may represent either major type depending on availability.

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. appear around the design. Examples dated from 1866 onward also feature IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle.