The US Half Eagle was the $5 denomination in the broader US Eagle Series. The coins were struck by the United States Mint from 1795 to 1929, with the Half Eagle denomination boasting a total of five different designs throughout its coining history. The fourth and longest-lasting design was known as the Liberty Head. Right now, 1856 $5 Liberty Half Eagle Gold Coins certified by the PCGS or NGC are available to purchase online from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a PCGS or NGC individual plastic slab!
• Popular Type 1 Half Eagle design with no motto!
• Created by Christian Gobrecht!
• Limited availability of certified Half Eagles!
• Contains .242 Troy oz of actual gold content.
• Bears a face value of $5 (USD) backed by the federal government.
• Issued a Grade of XF45 by the Professional Coin Grading Service or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• The obverse showcases the classical Liberty Head design.
• On the reverse is an image of the heraldic eagle.
• Please note you may get coins with the same grading house labels or varying grading house labels if you purchase more than one.

Each 1856 $5 Liberty Half Eagle Gold Coin listed here earned an XF45 grade from the PCGS or NGC. Known as an Extremely Fine 45 coin, these specimens showcase complete details on the strike with minor wear present on only the highest points of the design elements. The coins maintain a lustrous golden surface more than 160 years after being struck by the United States Mint.

The 1856 Liberty Head Half Eagle is one of the rarest Half Eagles from the 19^th century. The coins are considered rarer than many earlier issues, including the 1843, 1847, and 1852 issues. In total, just under 200,000 1856 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coins were produced. With the extensive melting of gold coins after the Civil War, finding any of these coins is a rare treat in the 21^st century. Finding a specimen in such exceptional condition is incredible.

The obverse side of 1856 Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coins features Christian Gobrecht’s classical Liberty Head design. This left-profile portrait of Liberty comes with a coronet in her hair and a ring of 13 stars around her portrait.

On the reverse field of 1856 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coins is the heraldic eagle of the United States. The bald eagle supports the US national shield on its chest as it clutches the olive branch of peace and the arrows of war in its talons. These coins are pre-Civil War issues and are considered Type 1, No Motto coins. This means you will not find “In God We Trust” inscribed on the reverse.

If you have questions when buying gold, JM Bullion has the answers. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us live online, or email us directly.