Capped Bust to Right half eagles with Heraldic Eagle reverse were minted with dates from 1795 through 1807, although it is believed that those struck with dates prior to 1798 were produced in 1798 by using obverse dies on hand from earlier years. Part way through 1807 the motif was replaced by the Capped Draped Bust to Left style (1807-1812) and then the Capped Head to Left design (1813-1834, with a change in diameter in 1829).

While all early half eagles are scarce, the era of the 1820s in particular contains several notable rarities. The aforementioned 1822 is the most famous, but all other issues are elusive as well. Mintage quantities were fairly substantial, amounting to the tens of thousands of pieces, but nearly all were melted or exported.

After August 1, 1834, Classic Head half eagles, of reduced weight and without the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the reverse, were produced, a design continued through 1838.

Budget Recommendations: No recommendations here, as low-grade gold coins are apt to be quite unattractive. Besides, all early half eagles are rare. Suggesting that someone collect early $5 on a budget is like suggesting that a driver who wants to pinch pennies should buy a Rolls Royce! Consider what I have to say under the following listing.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Unless your name is Rockefeller or Vanderbilt, you will probably want to limit your purchases to one each of the major design types. EF-40 to MS-60 coins represent good buys, and Mint State coins up to MS-63 are likewise interesting.

Elite Recommendations: Endeavor to form a high grade type set MS-63 or finer, or a date set(!) in MS-63 or finer, as available, with the great rarities, as they become available (some never will), in AU-50 or better grades.

Liberty Head Half Eagles (1839-1908)

Coronet or Liberty Head half eagles were made from 1839 through 1908, with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST added beginning in 1866. In this series there are several rarities, the most prominent being the 1854-S, of which just 268 were made, and the 1887, of which only 87 (all Proofs) were struck. There are many Coronet half eagles which are prime rarities in higher grades such as AU and Uncirculated, but which have very low catalogue values, as few specialists collect the series, and there is no widespread demand.