1877 Liberty Head $5 Half Eagle

1877 Liberty Head $5 half eagle gold coins were produced at the Philadelphia, San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC) mints. The two branch mints, Carson City and San Francisco, struck larger quantities of the 1877 gold half eagle coins than Philadelphia did. Today, the San Francisco mint specimens are the least expensive, as compared to the 1877 (Philadelphia) and 1877-CC half eagles.

Here’s a rundown of the mintages and values of 1877 $5 Liberty Head half eagle gold coins:

• 1877, 1,132 minted; $2,250

• 1877-CC, 8,680; $3,500

• 1877-S, 26,700; $910

• 1877 proof, 20; $22,500

*Values are for coins grading Very Fine 20 unless otherwise stated.

While Philadelphia produced the fewest business-strike half eagles in 1877, Carson City half eagles saw the largest attrition rate, largely due to melting and losses through heavy circulation. By no means are any of these 1877 $5 gold coins common though – all are considerably scarce. Given their high price premiums over intrinsic spot value, gold bullion investors don’t normally seek 1877 $5 gold coins for their portfolios, even though these coins contain 0.24187 ounces of pure gold.

As an historic footnote, 1877 Liberty Head half eagles were designed by Chief Engraver of the United States Mint Christian Gobrecht. He not only served as the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, but he also designed the Seated Liberty coinage of the 19th century.