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The Certified 1882-S $5 Gold Liberty, graded MS64 by NGC, is a stunning example of one of America’s most enduring and iconic gold coins. Known as the Liberty Half Eagle, this series was minted from 1839 to 1908 and holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history. The Liberty Head design, created by Christian Gobrecht, is a reflection of the classical ideals of liberty and freedom, symbolized by the personification of Liberty on the obverse. The 1882-S issue, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is particularly significant for its relatively low mintage and the excellent preservation seen in MS64 condition, where the coin retains its original luster and sharp detail.
The obverse of the 1882-S $5 Gold Liberty features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Gobrecht’s design was inspired by classical Greco-Roman depictions of Liberty, and it conveys a sense of strength and dignity. Liberty’s hair is pulled back into a bun, with curls cascading down her neck, while her profile is strong and noble. Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, encircle the portrait along the rim, with the date "1882" inscribed below. In MS64 condition, the obverse retains exceptional detail, with Liberty’s facial features, hair, and coronet sharply defined. The coin’s original mint luster is still present, giving the obverse a bright, radiant appearance. Light contact marks may be present under magnification, but they do not detract from the overall eye appeal of the coin, making it an attractive piece for collectors.
The reverse of the 1882-S $5 Gold Liberty is equally impressive, featuring a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. This design, emblematic of strength and peace, was a common motif in American coinage during the 19th century. Above the eagle’s head is a ribbon inscribed with the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," while the denomination "FIVE D." is inscribed below the eagle. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arc along the top of the reverse. The "S" mintmark, denoting the San Francisco Mint, is located below the eagle, just above the denomination. In MS64 condition, the reverse of the coin is well-preserved, with the eagle’s feathers, talons, and other intricate details remaining crisp and well-defined. The surfaces retain their original luster, and the fields are smooth and clean, with only minimal contact marks that are typical for a coin of this grade.
The $5 Liberty Half Eagle was first introduced in 1839, replacing the earlier Capped Bust design, and it remained in production until 1908, when it was replaced by the Indian Head design. The Liberty Head series spanned several important periods in American history, including the Civil War, the Reconstruction Era, and the Gilded Age. Throughout its production run, the coin was minted at various mints, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and later, Denver. The 1882-S issue was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which played a crucial role in producing coinage for the expanding western United States. Gold coins from the San Francisco Mint are particularly prized by collectors for their association with the California Gold Rush and the westward expansion of the U.S. economy.
The mintage of the 1882-S $5 Gold Liberty was 970,000, making it one of the more common dates within the series. However, coins in higher grades, such as MS64, are much scarcer, as many of these coins saw heavy circulation in the 19th century, especially in the West, where gold coins were regularly used for commercial transactions. As a result, well-preserved examples like this MS64 coin are highly sought after by collectors. In this grade, the coin’s sharp detail, strong luster, and minimal contact marks make it a standout example, offering a combination of historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
The Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht is one of the most enduring and beloved designs in U.S. coinage history. Gobrecht, who served as Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1840 to 1844, was responsible for several important coin designs, including the Seated Liberty series. His Liberty Head design for the Half Eagle was part of a broader effort to update U.S. coinage with classical themes and imagery that reflected the nation’s ideals. The design remained in use for nearly 70 years, a testament to its enduring appeal. The Liberty Head Half Eagle, particularly in higher grades like MS64, continues to be a favorite among collectors for its beauty, historical significance, and connection to a transformative period in American history.
The 1882-S $5 Gold Liberty, graded MS64 by NGC, is a stunning example of a classic U.S. gold coin. Its well-preserved condition, with sharp detail and original mint luster, makes it a desirable piece for collectors of 19th-century American coinage. The coin’s historical significance, combined with its beauty and scarcity in higher grades, ensures that it remains a treasured addition to any collection. Whether collected for its investment potential, historical value, or aesthetic appeal, the 1882-S $5 Gold Liberty is a coin that embodies the rich heritage of American coinage and the enduring legacy of Liberty.