$5 Gold Half Eagle

$5 Half Eagle Gold Coins at Provident Metals

Pre-33 Gold Coins remain popular among both collectors and investors to this day. A popular option is $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins. These coins were first introduced in 1795 and were in circulation until 1929, shortly before all gold coinage production was stopped. These coins featured an array of incredible designs over its history. Learn more about these well-known coins here at Provident Metals.

Brief History of $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins

Production of the quarter eagle, half eagle, and eagle were named and authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. Notably, the half eagle was also the first gold coin to be minted by the US Mint. It earned its name as its face value was exactly half that of the eagle gold coin.

Over the years, many different designs have been featured on $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins. These included the following:

• Turban Head design: This design was used on US Half Eagles beginning in 1795. Liberty is in right-profile relief donning a Phrygian cap that resembles a turban the way her hair wraps around it. This coin had two reverse options, a small eagle used until 1798, and a larger eagle used until 1807.
• Capped Bust design: This unique design was on the obverse of this coin from 1807 to 1834. It featured Liberty in left-profile relief donning a cap, surrounded by stars. This obverse was modified in 1813. The reverse featured a modified heraldic eagle.
• Classic Head: This design was short-lived as it was only used from 1834-1838. This William Kneass design showcased an open cap allowing Liberty’s hair to be shown. The reverse was the same design used since 1807.

Pre-33 $5 Liberty Half Eagle Gold Coins

Among the most popular $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins is the Liberty head design by Christian Gobrecht. This design was first used in 1839 and was used until 1908 making it the longest-running design for $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins.

Notably, coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint contain 90% gold content with the other 10% being made of copper. Coins struck at the Charlotte Mint and the Dahlonega Mint contain up to 5% silver content.

• Obverse: The obverse field of these coins showcases Christian Gobrecht’s depiction of Lady Liberty. It features Liberty in left-profile relief donning a coronet crown. These coins differ as Liberty is seen with her hair in a bun, unlike the previous designs where her hair can be seen flowing down her face.
• Reverse: The reverse side of these coins features a modified Great Seal. An eagle is seen with its wings spread and a shield on its chest. The eagle is clutching an olive branch and three arrows in its talons. From 1839 to 1866 there was no motto on the reverse. From 1866 to 1908 the motto “In God We Trust” was added.

Pre-33 $5 Indian Half Eagle Gold Coins

In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to change the look of American gold coinage. He enlisted the help of his friend Augustus Sant-Gaudens to create designs for five coins. Prior to his death in 1907, Saint-Gaudens had only completed the designs for the eagle and the double eagle. The US Mint was originally going to use the double eagle design for the half eagle and the quarter eagle but had problems fitting the inscriptions on these coins.

Due to this, the US Mint enlisted the help of Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt to create new designs for these smaller gold coins. The Pre-33 $5 Indian Half Eagle Gold Coins were struck from 1908 to 1916, and then again in 1929.

• Obverse: The obverse of these coins showcases a Native American male in left-profile relief wearing a headdress. 13 stars frame the portrait with seven on the right and six on the left. The word “Liberty” is at the top with the issuing year at the bottom. The initials of the designer are seen just above the year.
• Reverse: The reverse side of these coins displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with its left talon holding an olive branch. Identifying marks of the coin surround the image.

Buying $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins at Provident Metals

At Provident Metals, we have a great selection of $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins. For any questions regarding them or other gold bullion, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our customer service team is available at 1-800-313-3315. We can also be contacted through email or our online chat feature.