Liberty Head Half Eagle Value Guide

The 1901 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a premier example of Christian Gobrecht's enduring design, representing a vital piece of late 19th-century American commerce. Struck in .900 fine gold, this five-dollar denomination is highly sought after by numismatists for its historical significance and intrinsic precious metal value.

What Is Liberty Head Half Eagle Worth?

The typical price range for Liberty Head Half Eagle is $500 - $600 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The current spot price of gold significantly impacts the baseline bullion value of this $5 coin.
• Numerical grading by services like PCGS or NGC, particularly for coins in Uncirculated (MS) condition.
• The presence of original mint luster versus signs of heavy circulation or cleaning which can devalue the piece.
• Specific mint marks, as the 1901-S (San Francisco) and 1901 Philadelphia strikes have different survival rates in high grades.

How to Identify Liberty Head Half Eagle?

• Verify the obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY' surrounded by 13 stars.
• Check the reverse for the heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, with the denomination 'FIVE D.' below.
• Confirm the coin's composition is 90% gold and 10% copper, with a weight of approximately 8.36 grams.
• Examine the mint mark location below the eagle's claws; coins from 1901 may feature 'S' for San Francisco or no mark for Philadelphia.

History of Liberty Head Half Eagle

The Liberty Head Half Eagle was first minted in 1839 and continued production until 1908. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, it features a classic representation of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. This coin was a significant part of American commerce during the 19th and early 20th centuries, widely circulated and treasured for its gold content.