$5 Liberty Half Eagle About Uncirculated

Design and Specifications

The $5 Liberty Half Eagle gold coin was minted for circulation between 1839 and 1908. It features a classic design with Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
• Weight: 8.359 grams
• Diameter: 21.6 mm
• Edge: Reeded

Mint Marks and Varieties

The $5 Liberty Half Eagle was produced at several mints, each marked by a distinct mint mark.

• No Mint Mark: Philadelphia Mint
• CC: Carson City Mint
• D: Dahlonega Mint
• S: San Francisco Mint
• O: New Orleans Mint

Various Grades and Values

Condition	Value Range
Good	$400 - $600
Fine	$600 - $800
Extremely Fine	$800 - $1,200
About Uncirculated (AU)	$1,200 - $1,500
Brilliant Uncirculated (Mint State)	$1,500 - $3,000+

Coins in Good condition show heavy wear, with major design elements visible but worn. Fine condition coins have moderate wear with clear details. Extremely Fine coins exhibit light wear on high points. About Uncirculated coins show minimal wear and retain most luster. Mint State coins are uncirculated with full luster and no wear.

Collectible Varieties

• 1841-D $5 Liberty Half Eagle: $10,000 - $30,000

The 1841-D is highly sought after due to its low mintage and unique die characteristics. Collectors prize this coin for its historical significance and rarity.

• 1861-S $5 Liberty Half Eagle: $5,000 - $15,000

The 1861-S is notable for its Civil War era production. Its limited numbers and historical context make it a valuable addition to collections.

Error Coins

• Double Die Obverse: $3,000 - $10,000

This error features a noticeable doubling of the obverse design, particularly evident in the date and Liberty's head. Such errors are rare and highly valued by collectors.

• Off-Center Strike: $2,000 - $7,500

An off-center strike occurs when the coin is not properly aligned during minting, resulting in part of the design missing. These errors are uncommon and can fetch significant premiums.

Melt Value

The melt value of a $5 Liberty Half Eagle is influenced by its gold content and current market prices. With a composition of 90% gold and a total weight of 8.359 grams, the coin contains approximately 7.523 grams of pure gold. To calculate its melt value, multiply the weight of pure gold by the current gold price per gram. This calculation provides a baseline value, though collectible and historical factors often lead to higher market prices.