Liberty Head Half Eagle ($5) Value
1839–1908 · $5 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $350.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $400.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $500.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $900.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $2,700 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $13,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1854-S | Only 268 struck — one of the rarest US gold coins | $200,000–$2,000,000 |
| 1875 | Only 200 business strikes plus 20 proofs | $20,000–$100,000 |
| 1861-C | Last Charlotte Mint half eagle — Civil War era | $3,000–$20,000 |
| 1861-D | Struck under Confederate authority at Dahlonega | $5,000–$30,000 |
| 1870-CC | First Carson City half eagle — only 7,675 struck | $3,000–$25,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Christian Gobrecht
- Years
- 1839–1908
- Denomination
- $5
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 21.6 mm
- Weight
- 8.36 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Liberty Head Half Eagle ($5): History & Background
The Liberty Head Half Eagle was one of the longest-running designs in US gold coinage, produced continuously from 1839 to 1908. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, it features Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse with a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The coin was struck at seven different mints over its lifetime, including the short-lived Charlotte and Dahlonega facilities in the gold-rich South. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added in 1866. Southern mint issues, particularly from Charlotte (C) and Dahlonega (D), command significant premiums due to their low mintages and historical association with the antebellum gold mining region.
How to Grade a Liberty Head Half Eagle ($5)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →