Numismatic

1881 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle BU

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This five dollar gold piece, minted in 1881, represents a long-running era of United States coinage. Struck in 90 percent pure gold, the coin contains 0.2419 troy ounces of precious metal. These specimens survived the decades in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, meaning they may still display some of their original surface luster despite experiencing very minor circulation. On the obverse side, a left-facing portrait of Liberty is crowned with a band displaying her name. A ring of thirteen stars encircles her, symbolizing the original American colonies. The reverse features a prominent heraldic eagle bearing a shield across its chest, with the country name United States of America and the five-dollar denomination surrounding the central image. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this general design type was produced by the United States Mint from 1838 to 1907. Depending on the specific coin, minting occurred at one of several historic facilities, which included Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, Carson City, or Denver.