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The $5 Gold Liberty 1908 XF is a captivating example of early 20th-century American coinage, showcasing the rich heritage and exquisite design of the Liberty Head Half Eagle series. Struck in .900 fine gold, this coin holds significant value both as a collector’s item and as a piece of American history. The 1908 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle, minted during the final year of the Liberty Head design, is particularly notable for its role in American numismatic history. This coin, in Extremely Fine (XF) 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. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, 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 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 "1908" 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 1908 $5 Liberty was minted at three different facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Each mint played a crucial role in producing gold coinage for various regions of the United States. Coins from these mints are identifiable by their mint marks, located on the reverse of the coin just below the eagle’s talon. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, is the oldest mint in the United States and has produced many of the nation’s most iconic coins. The Denver Mint, established in 1906, served the western United States, while the San Francisco Mint, established in 1854, supplied the Pacific Coast with coinage.
The mintage of the 1908 $5 Liberty varies by mint. The Philadelphia Mint produced 281,760 coins, the Denver Mint produced 577,060 coins, and the San Francisco Mint produced 101,800 coins. These mintages reflect the relative scarcity and collectible value of the coins from each mint. The relatively high mintage of the Denver coins makes them more accessible to collectors, while the lower mintage of the San Francisco coins adds to their rarity and desirability. Collectors often seek out coins from specific mints to complete their collections, adding to the appeal of the 1908 $5 Liberty.
The condition of the $5 Gold Liberty 1908 XF is described as Extremely Fine, indicating that the coin has been 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 minor wear but 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 XF coin represents a balance between affordability and condition, offering collectors a piece that is both historically significant and visually appealing.