$5 Liberty Half Eagle MS64

Design and Specifications

The $5 Liberty Half Eagle is a significant piece in American numismatics, reflecting the classic design of the Liberty Head motif. It was minted from 1839 to 1908.

• Weight: Approximately 8.359 grams
• Diameter: 21.6 mm
• Metal Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Mint Marks and Varieties

The $5 Liberty Half Eagle was produced at several U.S. Mint locations, each identifiable by its mint mark. The mint mark can be found on the reverse side, just below the eagle.

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

Various Grades and Values

Condition	Value Range
Good	$400 - $600
Fine	$500 - $700
Extremely Fine	$700 - $1,000
About Uncirculated	$1,000 - $1,500
Brilliant Uncirculated (MS-64)	$1,500 - $2,500

Coins in 'Good' condition have significant wear, with major details worn flat. 'Fine' coins show moderate wear with visible details. 'Extremely Fine' coins have light wear on the highest points. 'About Uncirculated' coins exhibit very slight wear on the high points. 'Brilliant Uncirculated' coins retain full luster with no wear.

Collectible Varieties

• 1854-S Liberty Half Eagle: $50,000 - $100,000

The 1854-S is a rare coin with a limited mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors. Its scarcity in higher grades significantly elevates its value.

• 1870-CC Liberty Half Eagle: $30,000 - $60,000

This Carson City mintage is notable for its rarity. It often commands a premium due to its historical significance and limited availability.

Error Coins

• Double Die Obverse: $3,000 - $5,000

Coins with a double die obverse error exhibit doubling on the design elements, such as Liberty's head. This error is rare and increases the coin's desirability.

• Off-Center Strike: $1,500 - $3,000

An off-center strike occurs when the coin is not properly aligned during minting, resulting in part of the design being missing. These errors are uncommon and add collector interest.

Melt Value

The melt value of a $5 Liberty Half Eagle is determined by its gold content. With a composition of 90% gold and a total weight of approximately 8.359 grams, the coin contains about 7.523 grams of pure gold. To calculate the melt value, multiply the gold content by the current market price of gold per gram. For instance, if gold is valued at $60 per gram, the melt value would be approximately $451.38. It is essential to consider the inherent collectible value, which often exceeds the melt value.