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- Product ID: 34909
The $5 Gold Liberty 1893-CC AU is a remarkable example of late 19th-century American coinage, representing the rich history and craftsmanship of the era. Struck in .900 fine gold, this coin holds significant value both as a collectible and as a piece of American history. The 1893-CC $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is particularly notable for its origin at the Carson City Mint, which has a storied legacy in U.S. coinage. This coin, in About Uncirculated (AU) condition, retains much of its original detail and luster, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The history of the $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle dates back to 1839 when it was first introduced by the United States Mint. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin was part of a broader effort to standardize American coinage and provide a stable medium of exchange during a time of economic expansion. The Liberty Head design, also known as the Coronet Head, remained in use until 1908, making it one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history. The $5 Half Eagle was widely circulated and used in everyday transactions, particularly in the West and South, where gold was a common medium of exchange.
The design of the $5 Gold Liberty is both elegant and symbolic. The obverse features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Her hair is intricately styled, and the detailed depiction of her features reflects the high level of craftsmanship of the period. Surrounding Lady Liberty are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1893" is inscribed below her portrait. This classic design embodies the ideals of freedom and democracy that are central to American identity.
The reverse of the coin showcases a majestic heraldic eagle, a design that is both powerful and dignified. The eagle holds an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to peace and readiness to defend its freedom. Above the eagle’s head is a scroll bearing the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," which was added to the coin in 1866. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE D." indicating the coin’s denomination. The intricate detailing of the eagle’s feathers and the overall design demonstrate the artistry and precision of the minting process.
The 1893-CC $5 Liberty was minted at the Carson City Mint, which operated from 1870 to 1893 and played a pivotal role in producing gold and silver coinage for the western United States. The "CC" mintmark, located on the reverse of the coin just below the eagle’s talon, identifies its origin. The Carson City Mint was established during the Nevada silver rush to process the large amounts of precious metals being extracted from the nearby Comstock Lode. Coins produced at the Carson City Mint are highly regarded for their quality and craftsmanship, and the 1893-CC $5 Liberty is no exception.
The mintage of the 1893-CC $5 Liberty was relatively limited, with a total of 60,000 coins produced. This relatively low mintage makes the coin a sought-after piece among collectors, particularly those specializing in Liberty Head coinage or Carson City Mint issues. The coin’s scarcity, combined with its historical significance and aesthetic appeal, contributes to its desirability and value in the numismatic market. Collectors often seek out coins with clear details and minimal wear, making the AU grade particularly appealing.
The condition of the $5 Gold Liberty 1893-CC AU is described as About Uncirculated, indicating that the coin has been very lightly circulated and retains much of its original detail and luster. In this grade, the high points of the design, such as Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, show only slight wear and remain well-defined. The fields of the coin, or the flat areas, retain much of their original texture, and the overall appearance is clean and attractive. An AU coin represents a balance between affordability and condition, offering collectors a piece that is both historically significant and visually appealing.