-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56004
Checkout
The Certified $5 Gold Liberty 1902-S MS64 PCGS is an outstanding Mint State example of a classic U.S. half eagle struck at the San Francisco Mint during the early 20th century. Graded MS64 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this coin sits near the top of the condition census for the issue, showcasing rich golden luster, sharp detail, and minimal contact marks. As part of the long-running Liberty Head series designed by Christian Gobrecht, the 1902-S exemplifies the maturity of 19th-century U.S. gold coinage and the fine production quality associated with the San Francisco Mint. This coin is especially desirable due to its combination of historic appeal, high gold content, and superior preservation.
The obverse features the familiar and dignified left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tied in a bun with flowing curls, and she is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars representing the original colonies. The date “1902” is neatly positioned below her bust. In MS64 condition, Liberty’s facial features, coronet lettering, and hair strands are fully struck and crisply defined. The surfaces of the coin exhibit vibrant satiny luster with only a few minor marks in the open fields, none of which significantly detract from the coin’s impressive eye appeal or Mint State status.
The reverse depicts a stately heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. A shield covers its chest, and above its head appears a scroll bearing the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Encircling the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “FIVE D.” The mintmark “S” is placed just below the eagle and above the “FIVE D.” inscription, denoting the coin’s origin at the San Francisco Mint. In MS64, the reverse is sharply defined with strong detail in the eagle’s feathers, shield, and claws, with luster that flows evenly across the surface. Only a handful of light ticks may be present under magnification, characteristic of coins graded just below gem quality.
Struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, the 1902-S Liberty Head Half Eagle weighs 8.36 grams and measures 21.6 millimeters in diameter, with a net gold content of 0.24187 troy ounces. The coin’s composition and compact size made it ideal for circulation in an era when gold coins were still used in everyday commerce. The San Francisco Mint, established to process the vast quantities of gold extracted from California and surrounding regions, played a central role in producing half eagles like this one, ensuring a steady flow of gold coinage into the Western economy and for trade purposes throughout the country.
The mintage of the 1902-S $5 Liberty was 1,524,816 coins, placing it among the higher-production years for San Francisco in the series. However, as with many pre-1933 gold coins, the majority were circulated, lost, or melted down—particularly during the government gold recalls of the 1930s. Surviving Mint State examples are significantly fewer in number, and high-end pieces like those graded MS64 by PCGS are notably scarce. Most remaining examples are found in grades between AU55 and MS62, making this MS64 coin a standout for condition rarity and collector desirability.
PCGS’s MS64 grade certifies that this coin is completely uncirculated, with full detail and exceptional luster. While small contact marks may be visible, they are minor and well-distributed, not concentrated in any one area. The fields are clean, the strike is precise, and the coin’s surfaces are vibrant and original. MS64 is just one grade below gem (MS65), and coins at this level are often chosen by collectors who seek superior quality without paying the significant premium of gem-grade pieces, which are exceedingly rare for most Liberty Head half eagles, including the 1902-S.
Visually, the 1902-S in MS64 condition often displays warm yellow-gold color, sometimes with subtle orange or reddish hues due to the coin’s copper alloy. The San Francisco Mint is known for strong, bold strikes and excellent production standards, and this example reflects those qualities well. The coin's appearance is further enhanced by radiant cartwheel luster that flows smoothly across both sides when rotated under light, and the strike sharpness ensures that every design element—from Liberty’s curls to the eagle’s wing feathers—is distinct and crisp.
Historically, the year 1902 was part of a relatively stable and prosperous period in U.S. history, preceding the progressive reforms of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and marking a time when gold coinage was still widely accepted and trusted in everyday financial transactions. Gold coins like this $5 Liberty were often used in banking and business dealings, and they represented tangible wealth at a time when the U.S. monetary system was backed by precious metals. The San Francisco Mint, an essential institution in the Western economy, was in its prime, striking large quantities of coins to support the region’s rapidly growing commerce and population.
Today, the Certified $5 Gold Liberty 1902-S MS64 PCGS is a premium-quality coin that appeals to collectors of U.S. gold, Liberty Head specialists, and those building high-grade pre-1933 type sets. Its superior preservation, strong strike, and PCGS certification offer confidence in both authenticity and marketability. As one of the finest examples available for its date and mint, this coin delivers lasting numismatic value, solid gold content, and visual elegance that makes it a standout in any collection. Whether acquired for its beauty, investment potential, or historical interest, the 1902-S MS64 half eagle remains a prized artifact of America’s golden era of coinage.