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The Certified $5 Gold Liberty 1886-S MS64 NGC is a remarkable example of late 19th-century U.S. gold coinage, offering both historical significance and collector appeal. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin belongs to the Liberty Head Half Eagle series, which was minted from 1839 to 1908. In MS64 condition, this coin is in excellent mint state, with few imperfections and nearly full original luster, making it a standout example of the series. The MS64 grade from NGC signifies a coin that is just one point shy of a gem uncirculated grade, making it particularly attractive to collectors seeking high-quality pieces of U.S. gold coinage from this era.
The Liberty Head Half Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht, who served as the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Gobrecht’s design for the $5 Gold Liberty coin is one of the most iconic in U.S. numismatic history, representing the ideals of freedom and liberty. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Her hair is tied in a bun, with strands cascading down her neck, and the obverse is surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies. The date "1886" is inscribed at the bottom. In MS64 condition, the obverse of the coin retains its sharp detail, with minimal contact marks and a lustrous finish that highlights the fine details of Liberty’s portrait and the surrounding stars.
The reverse of the 1886-S $5 Gold Liberty features the traditional heraldic eagle design, a symbol of the strength and power of the United States. The eagle is shown with its wings spread, clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for both war and peace. The shield on the eagle’s chest represents protection and unity, and above the eagle is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE D." encircle the reverse, along with the "S" mintmark just below the eagle’s tail feathers, indicating that the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint. In MS64 condition, the reverse displays sharp details in the eagle’s feathers, shield, and talons, with only light contact marks that are typical of the grade.
The San Francisco Mint, where this coin was produced, played a crucial role in the production of U.S. gold coins, particularly during the late 19th century. Located near the source of much of the nation’s gold supply, the San Francisco Mint was responsible for striking a significant portion of the country’s gold coinage, including the $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle. The "S" mintmark on the 1886-S $5 Gold Liberty adds to its appeal, as coins from the San Francisco Mint are often sought after by collectors for their historical significance and connection to the gold rush era. The San Francisco Mint was known for producing high-quality coinage, and the 1886-S Half Eagle is no exception, with its sharp details and excellent preservation in MS64 condition.
The mintage of the 1886-S $5 Gold Liberty was relatively modest, with only 208,000 coins struck that year. While this number is higher than some other issues in the series, many of these coins were heavily circulated, and uncirculated examples are relatively scarce today. The low survival rate of uncirculated coins from this period adds to the desirability of the 1886-S in MS64 condition, as many of the surviving coins are found in lower grades due to wear and tear from circulation. The combination of a relatively low mintage and the scarcity of high-grade examples makes the 1886-S $5 Gold Liberty a valuable addition to any collection of U.S. gold coins.
The $5 Gold Liberty series was an integral part of the U.S. monetary system during the 19th century, used for larger transactions and valued for its gold content. Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the $5 Liberty coin has a total weight of 8.359 grams, with a gold content of approximately 0.2419 troy ounces. The intrinsic value of the gold, combined with the coin’s historical and numismatic significance, has made the $5 Liberty a favorite among collectors and investors alike. The 1886-S issue, with its connection to the San Francisco Mint and its place in the broader history of U.S. gold coinage, offers both aesthetic beauty and long-term value.
The Certified $5 Gold Liberty 1886-S MS64 NGC is an excellent example of U.S. gold coinage from the late 19th century. With its sharp details, lustrous finish, and high-grade condition, this coin is a prized addition to any collection of Liberty Head Half Eagles. Its connection to the San Francisco Mint, combined with its limited mintage and scarcity in mint state grades, makes it a particularly valuable coin for collectors and investors alike. Whether as part of a broader collection of U.S. gold coins or as a standalone piece, the 1886-S $5 Gold Liberty represents a piece of American history and numismatic artistry that continues to captivate collectors today.