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LIBERTY HALF EAGLE
During the early years, 1795 to 1834, these gold coins were primarily used in bullion
transactions, including in international exchange. It is likely that the majority of coins dated
1818 and later were exported or melted. Despite large mintages for certain issues of the
1820s, very few exist today. On June 28, 1834, the authorized weights of gold coins were
reduced. Until that time, previously-struck pieces had often been melted as soon as
they were put into circulation. This legislation was implemented on August 1, 1834. Later half
eagles, beginning with the Classic Head issues of late 1834, were lighter in weight and
circulated readily.
As $10 coins before 1834 were made only in limited quantities, it fell upon the $5 gold half
eagle to be the main coin used in large commercial transactions. After August 1, 1834, these
and earlier gold coins were known as "old tenor" issues, and were listed as such in bullion
quotations in journals such as Niles' Register
transactions, including in international exchange. It is likely that the majority of coins dated
1818 and later were exported or melted. Despite large mintages for certain issues of the
1820s, very few exist today. On June 28, 1834, the authorized weights of gold coins were
reduced. Until that time, previously-struck pieces had often been melted as soon as
they were put into circulation. This legislation was implemented on August 1, 1834. Later half
eagles, beginning with the Classic Head issues of late 1834, were lighter in weight and
circulated readily.
As $10 coins before 1834 were made only in limited quantities, it fell upon the $5 gold half
eagle to be the main coin used in large commercial transactions. After August 1, 1834, these
and earlier gold coins were known as "old tenor" issues, and were listed as such in bullion
quotations in journals such as Niles' Register
Liberty Half Eagle (1839-1908)
