How to Identify the Coronet Head Half Eagle
The long-running Liberty Head $5 gold design struck from 1839 to 1908, identifiable by its coronet-wearing Liberty, FIVE D. reverse, and No Motto/With Motto varieties.
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What It Is
The Coronet Head Half Eagle, also called the Liberty Head half eagle, is a $5 gold coin designed by Christian Gobrecht that replaced the Classic Head half eagle in 1839. It remained in production, with modifications, for nearly seventy years, making it the longest-running design in the half eagle series.
Obverse Design
Liberty faces left, wearing a coronet (a tiara-like band) inscribed LIBERTY, with her hair gathered into a bun beneath it. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, and the date sits below.
Reverse Design
An eagle holds a shield on its breast, with arrows and an olive branch in its talons, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with FIVE D. below the eagle. Starting in 1866, a scroll bearing IN GOD WE TRUST was added directly above the eagle's head. Coins from 1839-1866 are known as the "No Motto" type, and those from 1866-1908 as the "With Motto" type.
Size, Weight, Metal & Edge
About 21.6 to 22.5mm in diameter (slightly enlarged over the coin's long run), 8.359 grams, .900 fine gold, reeded edge.
Mint Marks
Found on the reverse, below the eagle and just above FIVE D. This series was struck at Philadelphia (no mark), Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and later Denver (D). In the coin's very first year, 1839, some branch-mint pieces uniquely placed the mintmark on the obverse above the date rather than the reverse, a placement not repeated in later years.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Distinguish this type from the earlier Classic Head half eagle (1834-1838) by the coronet/tiara headband versus a plain hair ribbon, and by the presence of the numeral FIVE D. on the reverse, which the Classic Head lacks entirely. Distinguish No Motto from With Motto varieties simply by checking above the eagle's head for the scroll and motto.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Wear shows first on the hair above Liberty's eye and ear and on the coronet's high points, and on the reverse at the eagle's neck feathers and wingtips.
Authenticity Red Flags
Because branch-mint issues, especially from Charlotte, Dahlonega, and Carson City, carry significantly higher value than Philadelphia coins of the same date, an added or altered mintmark is a common fraud. Examine any mintmark under magnification for correct size, font, and placement consistent with genuine examples, and be suspicious of a mintmark that appears slightly raised, off-center, or a different color from the surrounding metal.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the mintmark on a Coronet Head Half Eagle?
On the reverse, directly below the eagle and just above the FIVE D. denomination, except for some 1839 branch-mint issues, which uniquely place it on the obverse above the date.
What's the difference between No Motto and With Motto varieties?
No Motto coins (1839-1866) have nothing above the eagle's head. With Motto coins (1866-1908) have a scroll reading IN GOD WE TRUST added above the eagle.
How do I tell this apart from a Classic Head Half Eagle?
Look at Liberty's headband. The Coronet Head has a distinct tiara-like coronet, and the reverse shows FIVE D., which the earlier Classic Head half eagle lacks.
Which mints struck this coin?
Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver, across the coin's long production run from 1839 to 1908.