United States Gold 5$ or Half Eagle

(1795 - 1929)

The half eagle was the first gold coin actually struck for the United States.  The $5 piece was authorized to be coined by the Act of April 2, 1792, and the first type weighed 135 grains, .9167 fineness.  The Act of June 28, 1834, changed the weight to 129 grains, .8992 fineness.  Fineness became .900 by the Act of January 18, 1837.

There are many varieties among the early dates, caused by the changes in the number of stars and style of eagle, by overdates, and by differences in the size of figures in the dates.  Those dated prior to 1807 do not bare any mark of value.  The 1822 half eagle is considered one of the most valuable regular-issue coins of the entire United States series,  Proofs of some dated prior to 1855 are known to exist, and are all rare.  COmmemorative and bullion $5 coins have been made a West Point since 1986 and 1994, respectively; thus this is the only U.S. denomination made at each of the eight mints.

Turban Head (1795 - 1807)

This type was struck from mid-1795 through early 1798, when the Small Eagle reverse was changed to the Large "Heraldic" Eagle.  Note that the 1795 and 1797 dates exist for both types, but that the Heraldic Eagle reverse of these dated were probably struck in 1798 using serviceable 1795 and 1797 dies.

Capped Bust (1807 - 1834)

The Capped Bust eagle was approximately 25mm.  From 1813 - 1829 the diameter was enlarged slightly.  The pieces dated 1829  to 1834 the diameters were made smaller.  They also have smaller letters, dates, and stars.

Classic Head (1834 - 1838)

As on the quarter eagle of 1834, the motto E. PLURIBUS UNUM was omitted from the new, reduced size half eagle in 1834, to distinguish the old coins that had become worth more than face value.

Liberty Head (1839 - 1908)

The Liberty Head half eagles dated 1839 to 1866 do not have a Motto above the eagle, like the photo above.  Not untill 1866 was a banner added above the eagle bareing the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

Indian Head (1908 - 1929)

The new type represents a departure from all precedents in United States coinage.  It's design features no raised edge, and the main devices and legends are incuse - sunk below the surface of the coin.  This new exciting design was also used on the Quarter-Eagle or $2.50 gold piece.

Check out and look for my other Identification Guides, on other United States Mint denominations.  Half-Cent, Large Cent, Small Cent, 2,3&20 Cents, Half-Dimes, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters.....   Silver and Gold Coins....    I think you get the picture.  Have fun and enjoy the hobby of collecting coins.