A $5 Gold Half Eagle contains 0.2419 troy oz of pure gold, worth $966.74 at today's spot price.
The half eagle was half of the $10 eagle. The Liberty Head design ran from 1839 to 1908, and the Indian Head design, with its sunken relief, from 1908 to 1929.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Gold $3,996.90 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 25, 2:59 AM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Specification | Liberty Head (1839–1908) | Indian Head (1908–1929) |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1839–1908 | 1908–1929 |
| Face value | $5 | $5 |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Gross weight | 8.359 g | 8.359 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.2419 troy oz (7.523 g) | 0.2419 troy oz (7.523 g) |
| Diameter | 21.6 mm | 21.6 mm |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure gold in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
Liberty Head (1839–1908): 8.359 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.2419 troy oz
0.2419 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $966.74 -
Indian Head (1908–1929): 8.359 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.2419 troy oz
0.2419 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $966.74
How to identify it
- Liberty Head coins show Liberty wearing a coronet; Indian Head coins have the design sunk into the surface rather than raised.
Melt value vs. collector value
Pre-1934 US gold coins almost always sell for more than melt, even in worn condition, and scarce dates can be worth many times their gold. Gold coins are also a common target for counterfeiters, so buy from reputable sources.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: Domestic and Foreign Coins Manufactured by Mints of the United States, 1792–1965 — checked 2026-10-22
- Coinage Act of 1873 (17 Stat. 424) — checked 2026-10-22
- Act of January 18, 1837 (5 Stat. 136) — checked 2026-10-22