The $5 Half Eagle US Gold Coin - a Coin Collector's Must-Have

Collecting US coins is one hobby that has sparkedseveral changes in design and content throughout
interest among collection enthusiasts. And anyits existence and production.
collector who wishes for nothing more than anIn the obverse of the $5 Half Eagle is the inspiring
impressive arrangement of coins should no doubtand dominant feature of Lady Liberty, whose
include the $5 Half Eagle in it.magnificent golden hair is adorned with a string of
This $5 US gold coin is a must have for anybeads. The world 'liberty' is engraved on the
ardent coin collector. It is one of the most popularcoronet that sat at the top of her head. Encircling
items for coin collectors all over the country. TheLiberty's portrait are the date as well as a star
reason for this is that the Half Eagle was thethat stood for each of the thirteen original
very first golden coin ever struck by the US mintcolonies during that era.
for circulation. It undeniably holds immenseOn the reverse side of Lady Liberty is a proud
historical value that surpasses the value of its coinbald eagle, labeled popularly as the 'Heraldic Eagle'.
descendants.Its wings are spread apart, and it is standing
The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle, also called the $5among olive branches, clinching three arrows in his
Coronet, enjoyed one of the longest reigns in UStalons. The Heraldic Eagle also has a shield with
Coinage history with its circulation beginning instars and stripes adorned on its chest.
1839 up until 1908. That is a 69-year circulation,Surrounding the eagle are the words 'UNITED
considered a long run for any US gold coin. TheSTATES OF AMERICA', the mint mark and the
Half Eagle was said to have been the "workhorse"denomination of the gold coin.
of the US economy during that era.The original make-up which was designed by
In addition to its great historical worth, whatRobert Scot and held a weight of 8.75 grams,
makes the Half Eagle more important is that itcoupled with a gold purity of .9167 or less than
stands to be the only coin in US history that wasone ounce. However during the year 1937, the $5
produced at all seven of the branch mintscoin was struck from .900-fine gold.
operating during its reign. These branch mints inOne of the last and final designs of the $5 Half
particular are that of Philadelphia, Charlotte, SanEagle was done by Christian Golbrecht, assistant
Francisco, Dahlonega, Carson City, Denver, andEngraver to his superior, William Kneass. His
New Orleans.version was minted beginning in 1839 and lasted
The US Mint was authorized by Congress to coinuntil 1908, when the $5 Indian Head gold coin was
this $5 Half Eagle on the 2nd of April, 1792. Theintroduced.
very first design of the Half Eagle was termedA truly valuable and historical item, the $5 Half
the Capped Bust to the Right, Small eagle. AndEagle gold coin is a sure must-have for coin
just like the Quarter Eagle, it also went throughenthusiasts everywhere.