About the $5 Liberty Gold Coin
The United States Congress authorized the U.S. Mint to produce the $5 Liberty gold coin, or Half Eagle, on April 2, 1792. The first design of this Liberty gold coin, referred to as the Capped Bust to Right, Small Eagle, was the first gold coin minted by the United States government. In addition, it is also the only coin in the history of the U.S. to have been struck at all seven U.S. Mints that were operating during its circulation.
The beautiful design of the Liberty gold coin, created by Christian Gobrecht, was so admired that it was also used on the $2.50 Liberty gold coin and the $10 Liberty gold coin. The $5 Liberty gold coin had several design changes throughout its history and the final design of this gold coin was minted from 1839 until 1908.
The front of the liberty gold coin features the side profile of Lady Liberty; her hair worn in a loose bun adorned with a string of beads with curls falling down her side and neck. She wears a coronet on her head inscribed with the word 'Liberty.' 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies border the coin and the date of issue is prominently featured below Lady Liberty.
The reverse of the Liberty gold coin is equally striking, depicting an eagle with outstretched wings and the Union shield on its breast. Its talons clutch both a collection of three arrows and an olive branch.
The words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', the denomination of the $5 Liberty gold coin and the Mint Mark surround the bald eagle. $5 Liberty gold coins minted from 1839 through 1866 do not feature the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST.' In 1866 the reverse was modified by adding the Motto on a ribbon above the eagle.
$5 Liberty Gold - Coin Minting Information
The Philadelphia Mint produced these gold coins throughout their production run, although minting was partially shifted to the San Francisco Mint during the Civil War years. The Liberty gold coin was also minted in Charlotte, Dahlonega and New Orleans. After the Motto was added, these coins were struck at Carson City and at the newly opened Denver Mint in 1906 and 1907.
Why Invest in These Liberty Gold Coins?
These are troubled times and gold has historically been the ultimate hedge against economic volatility and crisis. IRA accounts are traditionally dependent upon a select group of stocks, bond and/or mutual funds which are inextricably linked to the economy. And when the economy suffers, the value of many IRA accounts begins to plunge. Gold on the other hand has outperformed the Dow by over 300% over the past decade which begs the question ... why wouldn't you protect a portion of your retirement and secure your accumulated savings by adding $5 Liberty gold coins? For centuries, investors and collectors have owned physical gold, including the Liberty gold coin, for a variety of reasons. Gold is:
- Considered a potential hedge against inflation and an eroding dollar
- Internationally recognized as a monetary and financial asset
- Able to be passed on to future generations of children and grandchildren
- Setting records - some experts believe gold may see new highs in the future