Liberty Head Half Eagle ($5) Melt Value
A Liberty Head $5 contains 0.2419 troy oz of pure gold (8.359 g × .900). At $4,147/oz gold, its melt value is about $1,003. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
Liberty Head Half Eagle ($5) specifications
| Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure gold | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1839–1908 | .900 (90%) | 8.359 g | 7.523 g (0.2419 oz t) | 21.6 mm | $5 |
The Coronet $5, struck 1839–1908 at as many as seven mints. The motto was added in 1866. At 0.2419 oz of gold it is close to a British sovereign (0.2354 oz).
How to identify a Liberty Head $5
- The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears on the reverse from 1866.
- The mint mark is on the reverse below the eagle; before 1861 the Charlotte (C) and Dahlonega (D) mints in the South struck half eagles too.
- Gold content is the same for every date from 1839 to 1908.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the Liberty Head $5: 8.359 g × .900 = 7.523 g of pure gold. Divide by 31.1035 grams per troy ounce to get 0.2419 oz, then multiply by $4,147 spot: about $1,003.
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Pure gold | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | 0.2419 oz t | $1,003 |
| 5 coins | 1.2094 oz t | $5,016 |
| 10 coins | 2.4187 oz t | $10,031 |
| 20 coins | 4.8375 oz t | $20,063 |
| 50 coins | 12.0937 oz t | $50,157 |
| 100 coins | 24.1873 oz t | $100,314 |
Melt value vs collector value
Melt value is only what the gold in a Liberty Head $5 is worth at today's spot price. A coin's market value can be much higher: scarce dates, mint marks and high grades sell to collectors for a premium, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Nu Stack does not estimate collector prices on this page. For a specific coin, check the date and mint mark, the condition (a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, or a local dealer) and recent sales.
Related coins
More: Gold melt value explained · How to sell gold and silver coins · How to track a precious metals stack · Free melt calculator · All coin melt values
Specs: Nu Stack coin database (curated entries and the Numista catalog). Melt values use the gold spot price from the Nu Stack price feed and are estimates of metal content only, not offers to buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in a Liberty Head $5?
A Liberty Head $5 has 7.523 g (0.2419 troy oz) of pure gold: 8.359 g gross weight at .900 fine.
What is a Liberty Head $5 worth in melt value today?
About $1,003 at $4,147/oz gold (October 19, 2026). Melt value moves with the gold spot price; this page updates automatically.
Is a Liberty Head $5 worth more than its melt value?
It can be. Scarce dates, mint marks and coins in high grades sell above melt value to collectors, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Check the date, mint mark and condition, or ask a grading service or dealer, for a collector value.