Numismatic

1840 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle AU-53 NGC

---

In 1840, the Philadelphia Mint produced a striking gold half eagle coin that captures the artistic transition of early American coinage. This five dollar denomination contains 0.2419 ounces of gold, representing a historic era of United States currency before the mid nineteenth century gold rushes transformed the nation's economy. Out of a total mintage of 137,382 pieces, this specific coin has survived in an appealing circulated state, certified as About Uncirculated 53. The obverse displays the profile of Liberty looking toward the left. Her hair is bound with a band clearly inscribed with the word LIBERTY, and thirteen stars encircle her portrait to represent the original colonies. The year 1840 is positioned directly beneath the bust. Because this coin was struck at the main Philadelphia Mint, it does not bear a mint mark. On the reverse, a detailed heraldic eagle protects a shield placed across its chest. The bird is surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the abbreviated denomination FIVE D. This classic design was created by the noted artist Christian Gobrecht, offering a tangible connection to the early craftsmanship of the United States Mint.