1856-S Half Eagle (1856-S $5) NGC AU58. The coin pictured for your consideration is an 1856-S $5 gold half eagle graded AU-58 by NGC. This coin is from the famed Harry W. Bass collection and the pedigree is denoted on the old style holder. This spectacular coin features bright gold surfaces that reflect all light as well as spotless surfaces. This is a truly beautiful coin that came from a very prestigious collection!

The featured coin and Liberty Head $5 half eagles struck from 1839-1866 are referred to as the No Motto design. No Motto half eagles were minted until 1866, when they were replaced by coins with the newly mandated motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse. No Motto half eagles remained in the channels of commerce for generations and it was not until the turn of the century and the advent of mintmark collecting that they began to be appreciated as a series with many valuable rarities and few survivors in high grade.

The Liberty Head $5 half eagle replaced the outdated Classic Head half eagle, which was struck from 1834-1848. The Liberty Head half eagle was first struck in 1839 and the design continued to be used until 1908. Designed by Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht, the obverse of the Liberty Head half eagle featured the bust of Liberty with her hair tied back in a bun and secured by a string of beads. She also wore a coronet in her hair inscribed with the word LIBERTY.

The date is situated below the bust and 13 stars encircle the coin. The reverse of the coin exhibits an eagle with its wings spread with a shield situated on its chest. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surround the eagle and the mint mark and the denomination FIVE D. are displayed underneath it.