Congress authorized the U.S. Mint to coin the $5 gold piece, or Half Eagle, on April 2, 1792. The first design of the $5 gold piece, referred to as the Capped Bust to Right, Small Eagle, was the first gold coin minted by the United States government. It is also the only coin in U.S. history to have been struck at all seven U.S. Mints that were open during its circulation. The $5 gold piece had several design changes throughout its history. One of the final designs of the $5 gold coin, the Liberty, or Coronet, design by Christian Golbrecht, was minted from 1839 until 1908 when the $5 Indian gold coin was introduced. The obverse of the $5 Liberty is very similar in design to the $2.50 and $20 Liberty gold coins. As with these coins, the obverse features Lady Liberty whose tight bun of hair is adorned with a string of beads. A coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY" rests on top of her head. The date and one star for each of the thirteen original colonies encircle Liberty's portrait. The reverse features a proud bald eagle with wings spread, standing among olive branches. The eagle clinches three arrows in his talons, and has a shield featuring stars and stripes upon his chest. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, the denomination, and the Mint Mark surround the eagle. Coins minted from 1839 through 1866 do not feature the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. In 1866 the reverse was modified by adding the Motto on a ribbon above the eagle. The Philadelphia Mint produced these coins throughout their production run, although minting slowed somewhat during the Civil War years. This slack was taken up in part by the San Francisco branch, which also circulated gold coins during these years. The $5.00 Liberty was also minted at Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. After the motto was added, these coins were struck at Carson City, and in 1906 and 1907 at the newly opened Denver Mint. The only other U.S. Mint facility, located at West Point, was not opened until 1984, almost eighty years after the $5 Liberty was discontinued. Today Goldline is pleased to offer these coins in MS-62 condition as graded by one of the industries two premier grading services. Click on the button below to order these coins online right now. |
If you are interested in spending over $1,500, please call us at 1-877-376-2646. Lower prices may be available for larger quantity orders. Account Executives are available from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. PST, Monday through Friday. Given the increased demand for gold and silver coins, orders will be delivered within 28 days of receipt of good funds. |