1878 Liberty Head $5 Half Eagle

1878 Liberty Head $5 half eagle gold coins were produced at the Philadelphia, Carson City (CC), and San Francisco (S) mints. While all three of those mints played an important role in striking and distributing half eagles throughout the growing United States, the Carson City Mint produced by far the fewest 1878 half eagles, which are now considered quite scarce.

Here’s a breakdown of the mintages and values of 1878 $5 Liberty Head half eagle gold coins:

• 1878, 131,720 minted; $787

• 1878-CC, 9,054; $5,500

• 1878-S, 144,700; $787

• 1878 proof, 20; $22,500

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

While Carson City half eagles saw the largest attrition rate among 1878 half eagles (largely due to melting and losses through heavy circulation), by no means are any 1878 $5 gold coins considered common. Numismatists will notice that the values of 1878 half eagles are still much higher than the spot price for the intrinsic gold content, which comes to 0.24187 ounces of pure gold per coin.

1878 Liberty Head half eagles were designed by Chief Engraver of the United States Mint Christian Gobrecht. He served as the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint and is perhaps most closely associated in general numismatic circles with designing the Seated Liberty coinage of the 19th century.