The coin described is a Liberty Head Half Eagle, a $5 gold piece minted in the year 1848 at the Charlotte Mint in North Carolina. This specific coin is notable for its historical significance within American numismatics, particularly as part of the Liberty Head series designed by Christian Gobrecht. The coin features a diameter of 21.65 mm and weighs 8.36 grams, consisting of 90% gold and 10% copper. It is equipped with a reeded edge, which adds to its fine craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. The total mintage of this coin was 64,472, making it a moderately common issue among collectors. Being a product of the Charlotte Mint, this coin carries no mint mark, which indicates it was struck at a time when mint marks were not yet routinely placed on coins produced outside of Philadelphia. This piece serves not only as a means of currency but also as a historical artifact from the era of the Gold Rush, when gold coins became paramount to commerce in the growing United States. In summary, this 1848 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a classic representation of early American gold coinage, embodying both artistic design and the economic history of its time. Its combination of gold content, historical context, and collector interest often results in it having significant value among numismatists today.
| currency | USD |
| currency-amount | 5 |
| designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| diameter | 21.65 |
| edge-type | Reeded |
| height | 0 |
| material | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| mint-mark | None |
| mintage | 64472 |
| type | Coins |
| weight | 8.36 |
| width | 0 |
| year-display | 1848 |