Numismatic

1881-S $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle AU

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In 1881, the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint struck 969,000 gold half eagles. These five dollar pieces, composed of 90 percent gold, contain 0.2419 troy ounces of the precious metal. This particular specimen has survived in almost uncirculated condition, showing only light signs of wear from its brief time in commerce during the late nineteenth century. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, created by designer Christian Gobrecht. Her hair is secured by a band clearly inscribed with the word LIBERTY, and thirteen stars encircle her profile to represent the original American colonies, with the year 1881 anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, Gobrecht's heraldic eagle stands with a shield draped across its chest. The bird holds its traditional symbols while surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below the eagle, the denomination is expressed as FIVE D. This classic design served as a staple of American gold coinage, remaining in production from 1838 all the way until 1907.