Half Eagles

The half eagle was the first gold coin actually struck for the United States. The five-dollar piece was authorized to be coined by the Act of April 2,1792, and the first type weighed 135 grains, .9167 fineness. The Act of June 28,1834, changed the weight to 129 grains, .8992 fineness. Fineness became .900 by the Act of January 18, 1837.

There are many varieties among the early dates, caused by changes in the number of stars and style of eagle, by overdates, and by differences in the size of figures in the dates. Those dated prior to 1807 do not bear any mark of value. The 1822 half eagle is considered one of the most valuable regular-issue coins of the entire United States series.

Proofs of some dates prior to 1855 are known to exist, and all are rare. Commemorative and bullion $5 coins have been made at West Point since 1986 and 1994, respectively; thus this is the only U.S. denomination made at each of the eight mints.

Half Eagles - Half Eagle Gold Coins