1838 Classic Head Gold $5 Half Eagle
| Weight | 8.36 grams |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Mintage | 286,588 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Melt Value | $1,134.62 (spot as of ) |
| Designer | William Kneass |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-5787 |
286,588 half eagles were struck at Philadelphia in 1838. The Classic Head design was being produced at Philadelphia alongside the first branch mint issues at Charlotte and Dahlonega. The Coronet Head (Liberty Head) design would replace the Classic Head in 1839, making 1838 the final Philadelphia year for the design. PCGS estimates a healthy survivor population. The 1838 is readily available in circulated grades. The Cherokee were forcibly removed along the Trail of Tears, and new branch mints opened in the South.
| Grade | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | — |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | — |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | — |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $955–$1,100 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $1,085–$1,255 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $1,615–$1,865 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $3,790–$4,370 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $12,745–$13,495 |
This table is for educational purposes only and is intended to illustrate general market price trends and pricing steps between grades. Actual market conditions may vary significantly, especially for rarer pieces that often command premiums above the ranges shown here.
No major varieties are known for this issue.
View all Classic Head Gold $5 Half Eagles varieties →- PCGS CoinFacts: Classic Head Gold $5 Half Eagles
- NGC Coin Explorer: Classic Head Gold $5 Half Eagles
- Heritage Auctions Archives
- Stack's Bowers Auction Archives
- A Guide Book of United States Coins (The Red Book)