5 Dollar Gold Coins of America
There are only two 5 dollar gold coins of America that are usually seen by the public
at the present time. They are commonly known as the Half Eagles, which only have
two designs in the form of The Liberty Head Type and Indian Head Type. The
former was made from 1839 to 1908 and the latter was made from 1908 until
1929. These gold pieces are labeled as Half Eagles because they weigh half of the
mass of the ten dollar coin and feature an eagle on one side.
The Liberty Head Type features the head of the beautiful Lady of Liberty with the
date of manufacture at the base. It has an eagle design on the reverse side with
the inscription of ‘United State of America Five D.’ around. It weighs 8.359 grams
and consists of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper. It is 21.6 mm in diameter.
It is considered as the very first 5 dollar gold coin ever minted by the United States
of America. It was designed by Christian Gobrecht and authorized by the Congress
in 1792.
One form of the 5 dollar gold coin is the Indian Head Type. This coin features the
head of a native Indian in a feather battle headdress and the date below on the
frontage. It also has an image of an eagle on the reverse. You will notice that the
images are sunk below the level of the surface of the coin. This is called an incuse
design. The Indian Head Type was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt. It weighs 8.359
grams equal to that of the Liberty Head type with the same gold and copper
content as well. In addition, it is 21.6 mm in diameter.
The two 5 dollar gold coins have similarities and differences that you may have
noticed. Both gold coins have unique representations of an eagle. The Liberty Head
Type features an eagle with its wings spreading wide and proud as if preparing to
fly, while the Indian Head Type is equally proud with its closed wings. You can
notice that there are bundles of arrows on the bottom of both birds. On the
obverse, the same 13 stars that represents the 13 colonies which first rebelled
against the British monarchy and later became the first states.
Depending on the dates and conditions, each 5 dollar gold coin can worth a lot
more than its weight. The Liberty Head Type is worth $160 dollars in average
condition, while the Indian Head Type will bring about $250. Rare dates often call
for a higher price. For instance, the 1894-S cost $18,000 in 1892 and reached as
much as $105,000 after six years. On the other hand, the 1989 Indian Head Type
which is considered as the rarest costs as much as $7,500.
These two $ dollar coins have been important parts of the American history. They
served as media to give the US citizens the will to spend for the things they need.
Although production has been stopped, they are still remnants of how strong and
wealthy America once was.