The $5 Half Eagle US Gold Coin – a Coin Collector’s Must-Have
Collecting US coins is one hobby that has sparked interest among collection enthusiasts. And any collector who wishes for nothing more than an impressive arrangement of coins should no doubt include the $5 Half Eagle in it.
This $5 US gold coin is a must have for any ardent coin collector. It is one of the most popular items for coin collectors all over the country. The reason for this is that the Half Eagle was the very first golden coin ever struck by the US mint for circulation. It undeniably holds immense historical value that surpasses the value of its coin descendants.
The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle, also called the $5 Coronet, enjoyed one of the longest reigns in US Coinage history with its circulation beginning in 1839 up until 1908. That is a 69-year circulation, considered a long run for any US gold coin. The Half Eagle was said to have been the "workhorse" of the US economy during that era.
In addition to its great historical worth, what makes the Half Eagle more important is that it stands to be the only coin in US history that was produced at all seven of the branch mints operating during its reign. These branch mints in particular are that of Philadelphia, Charlotte, San Francisco, Dahlonega, Carson City, Denver, and New Orleans.
The US Mint was authorized by Congress to coin this $5 Half Eagle on the 2nd of April, 1792. The very first design of the Half Eagle was termed the Capped Bust to the Right, Small eagle. And just like the Quarter Eagle, it also went through several changes in design and content throughout its existence and production.