Although a variety of historic gold coins survived the collection efforts of the federal government in the 1930s, the total number of coins is extremely limited. Investors, collectors, and history buffs alike clamor for these coins when they are available. Today, JM Bullion is proud to offer Pre-1933 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle Coins to our customers.
Coin Highlights:
- Contains .2418 ounces of pure gold.
- Issued with face value of $5 (USD) by the federal government.
- Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
- Available in Extra Fine condition.
- Ships in plastic flips.
The federal government collected all gold coins in circulation starting in 1933 to melt them down into gold bars. The drive was an effort to bolster financial reserves for the nation amidst the Great Depression, and its effect is felt today in the rarity of Pre-1933 gold coins for collection.
On the obverse side of each coin is Gobrecht’s image of Lady Liberty. Inspired by a Benjamin West painting entitled “Omni Vincit Amor,” the design features Liberty’s head in a left-profile portrait. Her crown contains the word “Liberty,” while she is surrounded by engravings of the year of minting and 13 stars.
The reverse side of each coin bears the heraldic eagle, a popular symbol on American coins to this day. In this early depiction, the eagle is featured with its wings spread wide and a shield on its chest. In one talon it clutches arrows, while it holds onto an olive branch in the other. “United States of America” and the coin’s face value are engraved on this side.
The United States Mint struck these Pre-1933 $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagles between 1839 and 1908, with two minor variations in design occurring during this period. During its production run, the mints in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans, Denver, Dahlonega, and Charlotte all contributed to the coining process.
Each of these coins is available in Extra Fine condition. An XF coin shows only light wear on the highest design points, with some of its mint luster still remaining. If you have questions for a JM Bullion associate, please contact us on the phone at 800-276-6508, online using our live web chat, or via email.
“Very happy with the 1901-S Half Eagle I received. Condition looks more like AU-55 to me. Extremely beautiful coin”