Liberty Gold Half Eagle $5 No Motto, 1839-1865 PR DCAM [Type]

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 8.359 grams. Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper (net weight .24187 oz. pure gold). Diameter: 1839–1840: 22.5 mm; 1840–1866: 21.6 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City.

Key to Collecting: These are very plentiful in circulated grades from VF to AU. Mint State pieces are in the minority, and choice and gem pieces are quite rare. Quantities were struck at the Charlotte and Dahlonega mints.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Striking varies, and pieces should be examined with care. The first place to look is at the lower area of the eagle on the reverse as well as areas around the shield on the eagle’s breast. If these features pass muster and are needle sharp (which often they are not), then turn your attention to the obverse, and check the hair details just below the coronet or tiara of Liberty. After that, check the stars, peripheral letters, and denticles. Generally, coins of the Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco mints can be found with sharp details.

Proof Coins: Proofs occasionally come on the market and are very rare. Interestingly, the Proofs of the 1860’s are usually deeply frosty and cameo-like on the devices, against deep mirror fields, and are of better eye appeal than are those made 40 years later.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 16.718 grams. Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper (net weight: .48375 oz. pure gold). Diameter: 27 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: Circulated coins are readily available. However, for type-set purposes a low-range Mint State coin is likely to be only slightly more expensive than a circulated example. Earlier date and mintmark varieties range from scarce to rare, and in Mint State are especially rare. Beginning with issues of the late 1870’s, Mint State coins are plentiful, and for certain issues of the 1890’s and early 20th century choice and gem examples are easy to find.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Usually fairly well struck, this being especially true of the later years. Check the hair details of Liberty and the star centers, and, on the reverse, check the eagle details.

Proof Coins: Proofs were struck of all years, and are available in proportion to the mintage quantity. Although quite a few Proofs exist, comparatively speaking, many are impaired. Some connoisseurship will be needed to find a choice example.