$5 Liberty Gold – No Motto (1839–1866)

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the so-called Liberty head design was widely adopted for gold coinage starting in 1839 for the half-eagle ($5) denomination. Weighing in at 0.24 ounces (8.359 grams) and 90% purity (10% copper), these coins were well circulated and struck at numerous mints including Philadelphia, New Orleans, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Denver, and San Francisco.

From 1839-1866 the Liberty half eagles were issued without the Motto ("IN GOD WE TRUST") emblazoned on a ribbon on the reverse above the eagle's head. In 1866, the design was modified to add the motto.