The Coronet Head Half Eagle was first produced into coinage in 1839, designed by Mint engraver, Christian Gobrecht. Also referred to as the Liberty Head Half Eagle or Half Eagle, this coin endured an uninterrupted production over the course of 70 years before it was replaced in 1907. The Coronet type gold coin was created to replace the Classic Head design. The $10 Eagle carried the updated design in 1838. In order to maintain the tradition of consistency, the $5 Half Eagle as well as the $2.50 Quarter Eagle were adapted into the Coronet design in 1839 and 1840 respectively. Many dates of the throughout the period of the Civil War are now scarce and can only be found in limited in quantity.

Among the most famous Coronet Half Quarter Eagles is the 1848 “CAL.” specimen. The coin was minted from gold shipped from California during the gold strike. On the reverse of the coin, the letters “CAL.” were counter stamped above the eagle. There were only 1389 “CAL” Coronet Half Quarter Eagles that were produced.

Coronet Head Half Eagle Design

The Coronet Head Half Eagle’s design was an updated version of the “Classic Head”, designed by John Reich. Lady Liberty is depicted with her head turned to the left, wearing a tiara with the inscription “Liberty” inscribed along the side. Liberty is portrayed with more refined features than in earlier editions. Her hair is tied back with a string of pearls, making her appear more elegant. Thirteen stars encircle the design, with the year prominently displayed in the bottom center.

The reverse displays the John Reich Eagle, found on many U.S. coins. The Mint marks are located beneath the engraved eagle that is perched on an olive branch with outstretched wings. In the left claw, the eagle holds three arrows. A Union shield is displayed on the eagle’s breast with the inscription United States of America. The denomination of the coin is displayed on the bottom surrounded by a beaded border.

Motto

During the period of the Civil Wars the nation experienced a religious revival. Americans across the nation formed prayer meetings to call on God during the difficult times of the war. This led to the inclusion of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the 1864 two-cent piece. In 1865, Congress mandated that the motto was to be placed on every coin that could accommodate the lettering.

The motto, ” IN GOD WE TRUST” first appeared on the gold half eagle, in 1866. The motto was placed on the reverse of the coin, where it was written across a scroll, positioned over the head of the eagle. This was later added to all forms of U.S. currency.

In the years that followed the motto’s debut on the Coronet Half Eagle, the suspension regarding specie payments that began during the Civil War carried on, diminishing the demand for large mints producing gold coins. As a result, the Half eagles were produced in limited quantities. After the specie payments returned in 1878, the half eagles were an opportune coin to redeem the excessive amount of greenbacks that were still in circulation. By 1880, more than 51,500,000 Coronet Head Half Eagle were produced, including the motto.

Grading

When it comes to grading this series, it is important to know how to look for signs of wear. The first place to check is on Lady Liberty, between her brow and the coronet. Another area to closely examine are Liberty’s strands of hair and ringlets along the neckline. On the reverse, collectors should check the claws, neck and wing tips of the eagle. Most collectors use one of the four top grading services, prior to investing in key date Coronet Quarter Eagles.

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