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Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 11484
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 07/27/24 01:32:01 | ||
Gold
 22.39
|
$2,386.38 | $2,399.69 |
The $5 Gold Liberty 1879-S Extra Fine (XF) coin is a remarkable piece of American numismatic history, reflecting the economic and artistic values of the late 19th century. This coin is part of the Liberty Head Half Eagle series, which is one of the most enduring and widely recognized designs in U.S. coinage. The 1879-S issue is particularly notable for its production at the San Francisco Mint and its relatively limited mintage, making it a prized collectible for enthusiasts and historians alike.
The Liberty Head Half Eagle series was designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Introduced in 1839, this series continued until 1908, spanning a period of significant change and development in the United States. The obverse of the 1879-S coin features the iconic Liberty Head design, with a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Surrounding the portrait are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1879" is prominently displayed below.
The reverse of the $5 Gold Liberty coin is equally impressive, featuring a majestic eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. This imagery symbolizes peace and readiness for defense, reflecting the nation's values. Above the eagle's head is a banner with the inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST," a motto that was adopted in the aftermath of the Civil War to signify national unity and faith. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "FIVE D." encircle the eagle, completing the design with a sense of balance and symmetry.
The $5 Gold Liberty 1879-S coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, a facility established in 1854 to serve the booming West Coast economy during the California Gold Rush. The San Francisco Mint quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality coins, and the 1879-S $5 Gold Liberty is a testament to this legacy. The "S" mintmark, located below the eagle on the reverse, distinguishes this coin as a product of the San Francisco Mint, adding to its historical and collectible significance.
The mintage of the 1879-S $5 Gold Liberty coin was relatively low, with approximately 1,223,975 coins produced. This modest production run makes the 1879-S issue less common than many of its counterparts from other mints and years. Many of these coins have been lost, melted down, or heavily circulated over the past century, making well-preserved examples in Extra Fine condition particularly rare and valuable. The survival rate for these coins is relatively low, adding to their allure among collectors.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the $5 Gold Liberty 1879-S coin exhibits sharp and clear details, with only light wear on the highest points of the design. The hair strands and coronet on Lady Liberty's portrait remain well-defined, as do the feathers on the eagle’s wings and body. The fields, or flat surfaces of the coin, retain much of their original luster, providing a pleasing visual contrast to the raised design elements. Coins in this condition are highly sought after by collectors for their aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
The $5 Gold Liberty 1879-S Extra Fine coin is more than just a piece of currency; it is a tangible connection to America's past, embodying the artistic, economic, and cultural values of the time. The coin played a crucial role in commerce during a period of significant growth and development in the United States, particularly on the West Coast. The design reflects the nation’s ideals of liberty and strength, while the coin's production at the San Francisco Mint highlights the importance of this facility in the broader context of American numismatics.
In summary, the $5 Gold Liberty 1879-S Extra Fine coin stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and historical significance of late 19th-century American coinage. With its classic Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht, its production at the esteemed San Francisco Mint, and its limited mintage, this coin is a treasured piece in any numismatic collection. It represents a bygone era of American history, making it a valuable and meaningful collectible for those who appreciate the rich legacy of U.S. coinage.