Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1839-1866
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 22.5 mm (1839-1840); 21.6 mm (1840-1866)
Weight: 8.36 grams (129.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 9,114,049
Proof Mintage: 450 (estimated)

1839–1866 Liberty Head (No Motto) $5 Half Eagle – Christian Gobrecht’s Iconic Design | Early Gold Type | Scarce Southern Mint Issues

The Liberty Head Half Eagle, also known as the Braided Hair or Coronet Head design, debuted in 1839 under the hand of Christian Gobrecht and became a defining image in 19th-century American gold coinage. This early “No Motto” subtype (pre-1866) represents the first use of the enduring Liberty Head motif on the $5 denomination, striking a balance between classical elegance and functional minting standards of the era.

The obverse features a left-facing bust of Miss Liberty, her hair neatly tied with a string of beads and adorned by a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, encircled by thirteen stars and the date below. The reverse displays a bold Heraldic Eagleclutching an olive branch and three arrows, a shield on its breast, and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – FIVE D. around the periphery.

Early issues of 1839 and select 1840 coins were struck with a slightly larger diameter (22.5mm) and are often referred to by specialists as "Broad Mill" varieties. Beginning in 1840, the standard diameter was reduced to 21.6mm, which continued for the remainder of the type.

Half eagles of this design were produced continuously at the Philadelphia Mint, while select issues were also struck at Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S). Southern branch mint issues—particularly from Charlotte and Dahlonega—are known for their low survival rates, irregular strikes, and strong collector demand. The 1854-S is the key rarity of the series, with a reported mintage of just 268 coins and only three confirmed survivors, making it one of the most legendary coins in all of U.S. numismatics.

For the type set collector, Philadelphia issues from the mid-1850s offer the best value and availability. These coins are commonly encountered in Very Fine to Extremely Fine condition, while AU examples are less frequently seen. Uncirculated specimens are scarce, and coins graded MS63 or higher are genuine rarities. Original Proofs were struck in very limited quantities and are considered major prizes in the numismatic marketplace.

Whether sought for its artistic significance, mintmarked rarity, or role as a foundational U.S. gold type, the Liberty Head No Motto Half Eagle remains an essential and storied piece of early American coinage.