Liberty Gold Coins: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Liberty gold coins are one of the most recognizable coins in the United States. These coins were said to be the building blocks of America’s trade and industry in the 19th and 20th century. Liberty gold coins find a unique place in American history, along with the Great Depression, the likes of Ford, Durrant, Rockefeller, and the American Civil War. Liberty gold coins, in fact, witnessed the birth of industrial America well before Edison invented the light bulb, Bell invented the telephone, and Mark Twain wrote his classics. In the 21st century, Liberty gold coins have found favor with coin collectors, antique dealers, and Wall Street hotshots for their beauty, rarity, and rich historic value. Coins from the original 13 states, both south and north of the Mason-Dixon Line, come under the auctioneer’s hammer regularly.

Liberty Gold Coins: Types

Liberty gold coins were minted in the form of $20 gold coins, $10 gold coins, $5 gold coins, and $2.5 gold coins. Liberty’s production started during 1849 and finally wound up in 1907, but remained in business till 1933. Minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco and New Orleans, these gold coins adorned the collections of Iacocca, Du Pont, and even JFK.
The $20 gold coin, designed by James Longacre, featured Lady Liberty with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on the bottom of the coin. Thirteen stars, representing the 13 states, encircled the Lady. The other side of the coin featured the American bald eagle with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircling it.

The $10 gold coin, designed by Christian Gobrecht, featured Lady Liberty with the word “LIBERTY” engraved on her coronet. The $10 coin was minted in 1838 and continued till 1907. The reverse side of the coin featured the bald eagle, with three arrows in its talons and perched on olive branches. The eagle was shielded by stars and stripes on its chest. These coins were minted in the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. The Denver mint joined the bandwagon around 1906.

The $5 gold coins were authorized by the US Congress to be manufactured in the US Mint on April 2, 1792. This coin, also known as the “Half Eagle,” was minted in 1866 and continued till 1908. Struck at seven different American mints through its life, the coin featured Lady Liberty with the word “LIBERTY” engraved on her coronet and adorned by 13 starts that represented each of the 13 states. The reverse side of the coin was identical to the $10 coin with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounding the eagle.

The $2.50 gold coins were similar to the $10 and $5 counterparts, expect that it was first minted at 1840. The Philly mint started the production and additional coins were struck at Charlotte, New Orleans and Dahlonega.