Numismatic

1839-1866 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle No Motto AU (Random Year)

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During the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced a five dollar gold piece of striking simplicity. Struck between 1839 and 1866, this version of the Liberty Gold Half Eagle is distinguished by the absence of the scroll reading 'In God We Trust' above the eagle, a design element that was only introduced to the series after 1866. This particular era of coinage represents a fascinating chapter in American metal currency, showcasing the original vision of the engraver Christian Gobrecht. The front of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Liberty. Her hair is secured by a band clearly inscribed with the word 'LIBERTY', and she is framed by a ring of thirteen stars representing the original colonies. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle guards a shield draped across its chest. The bird is encircled by the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along with the five dollar denomination. These coins were struck at various federal facilities, which may include Philadelphia, Carson City, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Denver, New Orleans, or San Francisco. Each piece contains 0.2419 ounces of gold with a purity of 90 percent. Surviving in Almost Uncirculated condition, these historic gold pieces allow us to appreciate the crisp details of pre-Civil War American engraving.