Classic Head $5
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Spanning 1834 to 1838, the Classic Head $5 catalog contains 8 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1838-C Classic Head $5 at just 17,179 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1838-C Classic Head $5 at up to $170,000 in top grade.
Classic Head $5 Mintage by Year
Peak 657KCombined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
About the Classic Head $5
The Classic Head $5 coin, produced by the United States Mint from 1834 to 1838, is one of the most recognizable gold coins ever created. These coins, minted at the Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Dahlonega Mints during this time period, feature a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a cap with the legend "LIBERTY" inscribed around her. Below her is the date of issue. The reverse of the coin features an eagle with a shield on its breast and the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around it.
The Classic Head $5 gold coins, weighing 8.36 grams, measure 21.6 millimeters in diameter and are composed of 90% pure gold. The coins feature a Greek Key design on the rim and have a reeded edge.
The Classic Head $5 coin had a few design changes over its four-year production period. Early production coins had a flat-top 5 in the denomination, while the later variety has a rounded 5. Additionally, the coins minted in Charlotte and Dahlonega feature a mintmark under the eagle on the reverse, consisting of a small “C” or “D,” respectively.
Due to its historic design, the Classic Head $5 coin is incredibly desirable among collectors. Examples in top condition can fetch thousands of dollars at auction, making them much sought after coins. They can be difficult to find due to their limited mintage, with some coins having as few as 46,000 pieces produced.
In an overall excellent condition, the Classic Head $5 coin is a great way to invest in numismatic history. Not only do they offer investors tangible value, they also provide an opportunity to invest in a piece of the United States’s history.
Most-collected Classic Head $5 coins on LuckyCoin
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Classic Head $5 minted?
- The Classic Head $5 was minted by United States from 1834 to 1838.
- How many Classic Head $5 coins were minted?
- Across every year and mintmark, approximately 2,113,612 Classic Head $5 coins were struck.
- What mintmarks exist for the Classic Head $5?
- Classic Head $5 coins were struck with the following mintmarks: C, DA. Some years were also produced without a mintmark.
- What is the Classic Head $5 made of?
- The Classic Head $5 is made of gold (.900) (.100 copper), weighs 8.36 grams, and measures 22.5 mm in diameter.
- How much is a Classic Head $5 worth?
- Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $170,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.