$5 Half Eagle (Pre-1929) Melt Value
Classic $5 gold: Liberty Head, Indian Head, and early Classic/Capped types. About a quarter ounce of gold.
Melt value per coin$980.490.24187 oz × $4,053.77/oz gold · spot as of August 4, 2026 · about 196.1× face value
gold content
0.24187 troy oz
Weight
8.359 g
Composition
.900 fine (90% gold)
Years
1795–1929
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 1 coin | $980.49 |
| 5 coins | $4,902.43 |
| 10 coins | $9,804.85 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much gold is in a $5 half eagle (pre-1929)?
- Each $5 half eagle (pre-1929) weighs 8.359 grams (.900 fine (90% gold)) and contains 0.24187 troy ounces of gold.
- What is a $5 half eagle (pre-1929) worth in melt value today?
- At the current gold spot price of $4,053.77 per troy ounce, the melt value is about $980.49 per coin.
- Is a $5 half eagle (pre-1929) worth more than its melt value?
- Often, yes. Melt value is the floor — scarce dates, mint marks, and higher grades carry collector premiums above metal content. Check the grade-by-grade price guide before selling any coin as bullion.
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Melt values update with live spot prices and are estimates, not offers to buy. Dealers pay below melt to cover refining margins; collectible examples are worth more than melt. It is currently illegal to melt US one-cent and five-cent coins.