1838 Classic Head $5
Owned by 23 LuckyCoin collectors
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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.
The 1838 Classic Head $5 coin, has a total mintage of 286,588, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by William Kneass. Made of gold (.900) (.100 copper), weighing 8.36 grams, with a diameter of 22.5 mm, and featuring a reeded edge.
The obverse is liberty facing left, surrounded by 13 stars, with the date below. It reads “LIBERTY 1836”. The reverse is heraldic eagle with union shield and holding 3 arrows and an olive branch. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 5 D.”.
Price by Grade
Sign up to see prices| Grade | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 12 | $900.00 |
| 20 | $1,000.00 |
| 40 | $1,900.00 |
| 45 | $2,100.00 |
| 50 | $2,500.00 |
| 55 | $3,200.00 |
| 58 | $3,700.00 |
| 60 | $6,000.00 |
| 62 | $10,000.00 |
| 63 | $15,000.00 |
| 64 | $40,000.00 |
Specifications
- Type
- Standard circulation coin
- Composition
- Gold (.900) (.100 copper)
- Weight
- 8.36 g
- Diameter
- 22.5 mm
- Edge
- Reeded
- Designer
- William Kneass
- Currency
- Dollar (1785-date)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the mintage of the 1838 Classic Head $5?
- The 1838 Classic Head $5 has a total mintage of 286,588.
- What is the 1838 Classic Head $5 made of?
- The 1838 Classic Head $5 is made of gold (.900) (.100 copper), weighs 8.36 grams, measures 22.5 mm in diameter.
- Where was the 1838 Classic Head $5 minted?
- The 1838 Classic Head $5 was struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint.
- How much is a 1838 Classic Head $5 worth?
- A 1838 Classic Head $5 is valued between $900 and $40000, depending on grade and condition.
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