$5 Liberty Half Eagle Coins (1795-1908)

$5.00 Liberty Half Eagles

The $5 Liberty Half Eagle was a coin produced by the United States Mint from 1839 to 1908. It was designed by Christian Gobrecht. The Liberty Half Eagle was struck in two types that are both sought after by collectors and investors. These are the extremely rare “No Motto” version that was released from 1839-1865 and the “With Motto” version that was issued from 1866-1908.

These smaller denomination coins circulated widely throughout the United States. Additionally, these Liberty Half Eagle gold coins have the distinction of being the only coin to be struck at all seven U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, Dahlonega, Charlotte, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City and Denver. These coins have resiliently survived the test of time and are now pieces of American history.

Behind the Design & Influence of Christian Gobrecht

Christian Gobrecht was a highly influential designer and engraver who worked for the United States Mint in the mid-19th century. He is perhaps best known for his two most famous designs: the Seated Liberty design and the Flying Eagle cent.

Gobrecht's influence extended beyond his famous designs, however. He was also responsible for numerous other coin designs and engraving projects during his time at the Mint, and he helped to modernize and streamline the coin-making process. His designs were noted for their attention to detail, artistic flair, and sense of historical continuity, and they helped to establish a strong visual identity for US coinage during a time of significant change and growth in the nation's economy.

For his $5.00 Liberty Half Eagle coin, the obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY". Thirteen stars are arranged in a semicircle around the portrait, representing the original thirteen colonies of the United States. The date of minting is located at the bottom of the obverse. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The eagle is surrounded by a wreath of olive branches, with the denomination "FIVE D." inscribed below. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the reverse in 1866.

Executive Order #6102

On April 5, 1933, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, which required all U.S. citizens to surrender all gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates to the Federal Reserve by May 1, 1933. The order was issued as part of the government's efforts to combat the Great Depression by stabilizing the banking system and boosting the economy.

The order was controversial at the time, and many citizens were unhappy about being forced to give up their gold. Some saw it as an infringement on their property rights and a violation of their individual freedoms. Others criticized the government for manipulating the value of the dollar and undermining the gold standard.

The order remained in effect until 1974, when President Gerald Ford signed a law that legalized the private ownership of gold coins and bullion. Today, gold remains an important asset for many investors and collectors, and the history of Executive Order 6102 is still remembered as a significant moment in U.S. monetary policy.

During the time of Executive Order #6102, the recall of gold made these coins, that were previously very common, now a rare find. $5 Liberty Half Eagles are some of the Pre-1933 U.S. gold that are some of the most desirable coins to collectors and investors. Liberty $5 gold coin values will vary by year, but the investment will be worth it. Collectors who appreciate these historic pieces may also be interested in the Gold Indian Half Eagle, which followed the Liberty Half Eagle series and is beloved for its unique recessed design.

The Bottom Line

The $5 Liberty Half Eagle was a popular coin during its time in circulation, and it remains popular among collectors today. Its value is primarily based on its gold content, with some coins being more valuable due to their rarity or condition.

Collectors fascinated by the $5 Liberty Half Eagle may also delight in exploring the Indian Gold Quarter Eagle. Known for its unique incuse design and smaller denomination, this coin represents a key chapter in early 20th-century U.S. gold coinage and remains highly sought after among numismatists.

If you're interested in collecting these coins, do your research and explore historic U.S. coin values. Identify and work with a reputable dealer to ensure that you're getting a fair price for your investment.