The 1850 Liberty Head Half Eagle, also known as the $5 gold coin, is a notable piece of American numismatic history. Minted at the Charlotte Mint, this coin was designed by Christian Gobrecht and is an excellent representation of the Liberty Head series. Weighing in at 8.36 grams and having a diameter of 21.65 mm, the coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, providing both beauty and durability. Its edge is reed-ed, which is characteristic of many gold coins to discourage counterfeiting. The total mintage for this coin was 63,591 pieces, making it a sought-after item among collectors, especially those focusing on gold coins from this era. The absence of a mint mark designates it as being struck at the Charlotte Mint, which adds to its historical significance, especially considering the mint's pivotal role during the California Gold Rush. Each coin from this series features the iconic image of Lady Liberty on the obverse, radiating a strong sense of American pride, while the reverse showcases a majestic eagle, a symbol of the United States. As a collectible, the 1850 Liberty Head Half Eagle transcends its face value of $5, appealing to both numismatists and gold investors. Its combination of historical context, design quality, and intrinsic value makes it a treasured item in the realm of American currency.
| 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 | 63591 |
| type | Coins |
| weight | 8.36 |
| width | 0 |
| year-display | 1850 |