5 Dollar Gold Half Eagle - Liberty Head

The 5 Dollar Liberty Head Half Eagle is a classic American gold coin with a long and distinguished history. Struck in 0.900 fine gold (21.6 carat), it contains 7.52 grams of pure gold. This makes the coin a historic alternative to modern smaller bullion issues.

The coin has a gross weight of 8.36 grams and a diameter of approximately 21.6 mm. The 5 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Eagle was issued as legal tender and genuinely circulated in the United States from 1839 through 1908. The offered pieces come from various dates within this period and may show visible signs of wear, consistent with their age and circulation.

The coin’s face value was 5 US dollars (USD). Today, its value is considerably higher, driven by its gold content and historical significance. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Liberty Head Half Eagle was succeeded by the Indian Head Half Eagle, retaining the same gold weight but introducing a completely renewed design.

Delivery and Packaging

• Insured shipping, or collection by appointment in Alkmaar, Rotterdam, or Tilburg
• Individually packed in a plastic coin sleeve or a hard plastic capsule
• Secure, insured storage available via Holland Gold Safe

Why choose the $5 Liberty Head Half Gold Eagle?

• 21.6-carat gold (90% fine gold)
• Historic US circulation coin
• Classic design with the instantly recognizable Liberty portrait
• Compact format

Design

The 5 Dollar Liberty Head Gold Eagle features a design that remained largely consistent throughout its entire issue period. The obverse shows a portrait of Lady Liberty, created by Christian Gobrecht. Liberty wears a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original states of the United States. The date appears below.

The name “Liberty Head” refers to this portrait, while the term “Coronet Head” points to the crown Liberty wears. This designation helps distinguish the type from other Liberty designs in American coinage history. The reverse depicts an American eagle with spread wings, a shield on its chest, and arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Around the rim is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the denomination FIVE DOLLARS below.

Addition: IN GOD WE TRUST

After the American Civil War, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added in 1866 on a ribbon above the eagle. The idea was to help unify the nation morally after the war, acknowledge divine protection after a period of immense loss, and emphasize the religious character of the United States. Apart from this change, the design remained unchanged until the end of the series in 1908.

What makes this coin especially compelling is that it circulated before, during, and after the American Civil War. As a result, the $5 Liberty Head Gold Eagle is not only a gold investment coin, but also a tangible piece of American history.

Price and Buyback Value

Looking to sell your gold coins? Holland Gold offers a buyback guarantee for this coin. We also purchase coins that were not bought from us. On our website, under “sell to us,” you can view the current buyback price.