The value of a five-dollar gold coin (also known as a Half Eagle) depends on several factors, including:
- Type and Design: There are different designs of the Half Eagle, including:
– Liberty Head (1839-1908): Featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
– Indian Head (1908-1929): Depicting a Native American chief on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
These design types can affect the value, especially if they are particularly sought after by collectors.
- Condition: A coin’s condition is paramount in determining its value.
– Circulated coins show wear, with details becoming less distinct as the grade decreases (Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extra Fine).
– Uncirculated coins (Mint State or MS grades) exhibit no wear and retain their original luster, commanding higher prices.
– [The Greysheet Catalog] provides specific value ranges for $5 Gold Eagles in various Mint State grades. For example, a 1988 $5 Gold Eagle in Mint State could range from $460 to $5,750.
- Rarity and Mint Mark: Some years and mint marks are rarer than others, significantly impacting the value. For example:
– The 1882-CC $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle, minted in Carson City, is a rare key date with a mintage of only 82,817, and an AU53 grade could be valued around $4,575.
– The 1893-S $5 Liberty Gold coin is also rare (only 224,000 minted).
- Gold Content (Melt Value): The value of the gold itself within the coin plays a role.
– A $5 Liberty Head coin (1839-1908) is composed of 90% gold and contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold.
– With the current gold spot price around $3,350.41 per ounce, the melt value of such a coin would be approximately $810.89.
- A 2025 US Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Proof Five-Dollar Gold Coin is priced at $1,041.50 from the US Mint.
- A 2024 American Gold Eagle is available for $495.
- A St. Gaudens .9999 Gold 5 Dollar Coin (2021) is listed at $150 on eBay.
- A 1909-O $5 Gold Indian Head Half Eagle was recently offered for $21,500.
- An 1850 Mormon Five Dollar Territorial Gold coin graded AU55 is listed for $83,104.
Note: These are just a few examples, and the value of any specific $5 gold coin can vary widely. It is recommended to consult with a professional coin appraiser or dealer for a precise valuation of your coin.
How rare is a 5 dollar coin?
The 5-dollar Liberty Head gold coins were once not very rare at all, however, the recall of these coins during the Great Depression is why so few exist today. Thousands of these coins were melted into bars to support the US economy, leaving those that remain carrying a higher value than most other US gold coins.