Numismatic

1846 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle AU-58 PCGS (Large Date)

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Struck in the mid nineteenth century, this 1846 gold half eagle represents a fascinating era of United States coinage. Minted in Philadelphia during a time when gold coins were vital to domestic commerce, this five dollar piece survived decades of potential melting to remain in a highly preserved state. It has been certified in About Uncirculated 58 (AU-58) condition, showing only minor traces of wear on its high points while retaining much of its original luster. The obverse features the classic Liberty Head design, where Liberty faces left with her hair secured in a bun, adorned with a coronet. The year 1846 is boldly stamped below the bust in the Large Date style, a prominent variety for this year. Framed by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, the design captures the early artistic direction of American gold coinage. On the reverse, a proud eagle with outspread wings shields its chest with a US crest, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The inscriptions on this side read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination FIVE D. Containing 0.2419 troy ounces of actual gold content, this coin is a remarkable survivor from a total mintage of 395,942 pieces, bearing no mint mark as was customary for the Philadelphia Mint at the time.