1861 $5 Liberty Head Gold Half Eagle Coin NGC XF Details

This beautifully designed 1861 Variety 1 No Motto $5 Half Eagle is composed of .24187 oz. of .900 fine gold, graded by NGC as Extra Fine Details - a coin with sharp details, and possible light wear at the highest points of the coin.

The half eagle was the first gold coin actually struck for the United States. The 5 dollar piece was authorized to be coined by the Act of April 2, 1792, and the first type was .9167 fineness. Fineness became .900 by the Act of January 18, 1837.

The coin was designed by Christian Gobrecht, Chief Engraver of the US Mint from 1840 to 1844. It is a perfect testament to America's glorious history. The obverse side of coin, inspired by Benjamin West's painting of Venus in Omnia Vincit Amor, contains Lady Liberty facing to the left, her loose curls cascading down her neck, and wearing a coronet with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed on it. 13 stars encircle her, with the date of the coin positioned below her profile. The reverse side features a bald eagle, wings outstretched with a shield across its chest, carrying an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in each of its talons. The coin is inscribed with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and "Five D."

Like all of our other gold coins, this one is guaranteed to be 100% authentic. Item will be wrapped and packaged safe for delivery.