$5 Liberty Gold Coins
The $5 Liberty gold coins, designed by Christian Gobrecht, were issued from 1837-1908 and are still popular amongst collectors today. Their diameter was 22.5 mm from 1849-1850 but changed to 21.6 mm from 1840-1908. They weighed 8.359 grams and were composed of 90% fine gold and 10% copper (each coin contains a net weight of .24187 ounces of pure gold).
The edge of each coin is reeded to prevent unscrupulous individuals from shaving them to steal bits of gold.
The $5 American Liberty Gold coin was minted in Carson City, Nev., Charlotte, N.C., Dahlonega, Ga., Denver, Colo., New Orleans, La. and San Francisco, Ca. There were two design types as the motto “In God We Trust” was added in 1866 above the eagle.
The mintmark is found on the obverse in 1839, above the date, and from 1840 to 1907, it is found below the eagle on the reverse.
Mirrored surface proofs were issued in small quantities from 1859-1907.
