Whitman Expo
1908-S $5 Gold MS Values
Details
The 1908-S seems to be a popular low mintage issue amongst gold pieces but this Half Eagle in particular is more common than one would think. The mintage is certainly on the lower end at 82,000 but many of those were saved unlike other higher mintage issues that are actually rarer. It is a relatively attainable coin up through gem condition with a very gradual rise in value until the absolute finest MS68 gems that sell for very solid six-figures. This coin may not be underrated but is certainly not common. In addition the surfaces can be found with an array of golden hues, levels of luster and mostly all of them have a strong strike.
This coin is made of 90% gold; 10% copper and has a current melt value of $1,108.62
Obverse: The obverse bears the portrait of a Native American chieftain in formal headdress struck incuse with the words LIBERTY at the top and the date at the bottom. 13 stars frame the left and right sides: 6 at left and 7 on the right.
Reverse: The traditional American eagle struck incuse in the center with the words, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at top, E PLURIBUS UNUM left of the eagle, and IN GOD WE TRUST to the right of the eagle. The denomination 5 DOLLARS struck below the eagle.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
82,000
Coinage Type:
Five Dollar Gold Half Eagle
Coinage Years:
1908-1929
Composition:
90% gold; 10% copper
Mint Mark:
S
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
8.359 gr
Weight:
0.2688 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.2419 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Bella Lyon Pratt
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1908
Obverse Designer:
Bela Lyon Pratt
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, FIVE DOLLARS
Reverse Designer:
Beyla Lyon Pratt
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