Lot 1278
1855-C $5 Liberty Reverse Die Break. NGC graded Mint Error MS-60. Unusual mint error on the reverse edge between 3:00 and 4:00. Only 39,788 pieces struck. The $5 gold style variously called the Braided Hair, Coronet, or Liberty Head motif, features a head of Liberty with her hair styled compactly, tied at the back with a string of beads. She wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the border, and the date is below. The Liberty Head motif by Christian Gobrecht underwent several transitions, and a study of the various forms as used on cents of 1839 (in particular) and $10 gold coins of 1838-9 can be quite fascinating.
The reverse is also by Gobrecht. It shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE D. surrounds.
Coinage was accomplished at the Philadelphia Mint on a continuous basis during the span of the Liberty Head design, 1839-1907. Additional pieces were made from time to time at Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, Denver, and San Francisco. In general, Charlotte and Dahlonega pieces are scarce in any grade, rare at the AU level, and are seldom seen in Mint State.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
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