Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1866-1908
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 21.6 mm
Weight: 8.36 grams (129.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 51,503,654
Proof Mintage: 2,938

1866–1908 Liberty Head $5 Half Eagle – With Motto | Longest-Running U.S. Gold Design | IN GOD WE TRUST Reverse

The Liberty Head Half Eagle, designed by ... Read More

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1866-1908
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 21.6 mm
Weight: 8.36 grams (129.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 51,503,654
Proof Mintage: 2,938

1866–1908 Liberty Head $5 Half Eagle – With Motto | Longest-Running U.S. Gold Design | IN GOD WE TRUST Reverse

The Liberty Head Half Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht, was updated in 1866 with the addition of the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll above the eagle on the reverse. This small yet significant change marked the beginning of a new subtype within the enduring Coronet Head series, which would remain in production until 1908, making it the longest-running design in U.S. gold coinage history.

The obverse continues to depict a left-facing bust of Miss Liberty, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars and the date below. The reverse features a boldly rendered Heraldic Eagle, perched on an olive branch and clutching three arrows, now with the added motto across the top. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – FIVE D. encircles the reverse.

This revised "With Motto" design was struck continuously at the Philadelphia Mint, with additional production occurring at San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), New Orleans (O), and later at the Denver Mint (D) beginning in 1906. Each mint produced distinctive varieties, with Carson City issues in particular commanding strong premiums due to low mintages and historic Western allure.

For type collectors and investors, this series offers excellent accessibility. Coins in Very Fine to About Uncirculatedcondition are readily available, and Mint State examples—especially those from the late 1890s and early 1900s—are plentiful. However, Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS66 and higher) pieces are considerably scarcer and often bring significant premiums at auction.

Proof Liberty Head Half Eagles were minted exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, with low annual mintages (typically under 100 pieces per year in the 19th century), making them true numismatic rarities highly sought after by advanced collectors.

With its classic 19th-century styling, broad mintmark diversity, and historical significance, the With Motto Liberty Head $5 Half Eagle is a cornerstone of any comprehensive U.S. gold type set.