1847 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle AU-55 PCGS

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Struck in 0.900 fine gold at the Philadelphia Mint, this 1847 five-dollar coin represents a classic era of American coinage. The design, created by James B. Longacre, was produced for nearly seven decades, from 1839 to 1908. Despite their initial production numbers, a significant portion of these gold coins was melted down in later years, making surviving examples particularly intriguing to study. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her hair bound by a band clearly inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Thirteen stars encircle her image, representing the original colonies, with the year 1847 positioned at the bottom. On the reverse, a detailed heraldic eagle stands with a protective shield across its chest. The eagle grasps an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing peace and defense. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches over the design, while the five-dollar denomination is noted below.