The 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle is a special gold coin with a lot of history. It is part of the Liberty Head series that ran from 1839 to 1908. This coin is highly valued among collectors because of its gold content, unique design, and historical significance. The “P” in its name stands for the Philadelphia Mint, where it was made. In this article, we will look at the details of the 1895 P $5 Liberty Head coin, including its design, value, rarity, and why it’s so popular among collectors.
History and Design of the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle
The Liberty Head Half Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht, who was the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
Front Side Design
On the front side of the coin (called the obverse), you can see Lady Liberty facing left. She wears a crown with the word “LIBERTY” on it, and her hair is styled in a bun with loose curls. Surrounding her are thirteen stars, which represent the original 13 colonies. The year 1895 is shown at the bottom.
Back Side Design
On the back side of the coin (called the reverse), there is an eagle with its wings spread wide. The eagle is holding a shield in its claws. It also grasps an olive branch and some arrows, symbolizing peace and readiness for war. Above the eagle’s head, there’s a banner with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “FIVE D.” surround the eagle.
Coin Specifications
Here are the key details about the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint | Philadelphia (No mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 8.359 grams |
| Diameter | 21.6 mm |
| Thickness | 1.59 mm |
| Designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| Mintage | 128,997 |
| Face Value | $5 |
This coin contains approximately 0.2419 ounces of pure gold, which means its melt value closely follows the current price of gold. However, the collector value of the coin is often higher than just its gold content because of its rarity and condition.
Value of the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle
The value of the 1895 P $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle depends on several factors, such as its condition (or “grade”) and the demand in the market. Grading companies like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) use a scale from 1 to 70 to evaluate the condition of coins. Better-condition coins are worth more.
Estimated Values Based on Condition
Here’s an estimate of the value of the 1895 P $5 Liberty Head coin based on its condition:
| Condition (Grade) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $500 – $700 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $700 – $900 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $900 – $1,200 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| MS-65 and Above | $5,000+ |
Coins in “Good” condition show significant wear, while coins graded “Mint State” are nearly perfect with minimal wear. As shown in the table, the value increases significantly for coins in better condition.
Rarity and Collectibility
While the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle is not the rarest in the Liberty Head series, it is still relatively scarce, with only 128,997 minted. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint, which do not have a mint mark, are generally more available than those from branch mints like New Orleans or Carson City. However, collectors highly seek the 1895 P because of its high gold content and historical value.
In terms of rarity, the coin becomes more valuable in higher grades. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for a coin graded MS-65 or higher because these coins are exceptionally rare.
Why Collect the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle?
There are several reasons why collectors are interested in the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle:
1. Gold Content
The coin has nearly a quarter ounce of gold, making it a valuable asset during tough economic times. Even if the collector value changes, the gold value gives it a solid base.
2. Historical Significance
The Liberty Head series captures an important time in American history, from before the Civil War to the early 20th century. Owning a coin from this era connects collectors to America’s rich past.
3. Beautiful Design
The intricate design by Christian Gobrecht, showcasing the timeless image of Liberty, attracts collectors for its artistic and patriotic symbolism.
4. Condition and Rarity
Although it’s not the rarest coin, finding an 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle in excellent condition is difficult, making it more appealing to collectors.
Investment Potential
Gold coins like the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle are often seen as good investments. Their value relates to both the gold market and the numismatic market. With the growing interest in precious metal investments, coins like these can be a smart choice for long-term value.
Comparing Numismatic and Melt Value
Here’s a comparison between the coin’s numismatic value and its gold melt value:
| Year | Gold Price Per Ounce | Melt Value | Average Numismatic Value (EF-40) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1895 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2024 | $1,800 | $435 | $1,000 – $1,200 |
As seen in the table, the coin’s melt value is much lower than its numismatic value. This shows that collectors pay extra for the coin’s historical and rarity aspects, making the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle a great choice for collectors and investors.
Conclusion
The 1895 P $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a valuable and attractive coin for collectors due to its gold content, historical importance, and beautiful design. With limited mintage and strong demand from collectors, it has the potential to keep and even increase its value over time. Whether you are an experienced collector or just starting out in numismatics, the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle is a coin worth considering for both its beauty and investment possibilities.
FAQs
What is the significance of the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin?
The 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle is significant due to its historical importance as part of the Liberty Head series, which reflects a key era in American history.
How can I determine the value of my 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin?
The value of an 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin is determined by its condition (or grade), market demand, and current gold prices.
Where was the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin minted?
The 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark, which distinguishes them from coins made at other branch mints like those in Carson City or New Orleans.
What factors contribute to the rarity of the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin?
The rarity of the 1895 P Liberty Head Half Eagle coin is influenced by its limited mintage of 128,997 coins. Additionally, coins in higher grades are much scarcer, making them more sought after by collectors.