1870 Half Eagle Patterns

About This Coin

Among the most prestigious entries in the 1870 Standard Silver Patterns program, these half eagle ($5 gold coin) experimental pieces tested proposed designs for America's workhorse gold denomination under Chief Engraver William Barber. The half eagle held a central position in commerce as the most widely circulated gold coin, produced continuously since 1795. The Coronet Liberty Head by Gobrecht had served since 1839, and the Mint explored whether the gold coinage deserved a design refresh matching the Standard Silver program's ambitious scope. The obverse features experimental designs departing from Gobrecht's portrait, while the reverse explored alternatives to the established heraldic eagle. A notable auction result of $13K in PR66BN at Heritage Auctions demonstrates the collector premium. Despite the program's silver-focused name, including gold denominations reveals the comprehensiveness of the 1870 design review seeking a unified visual language across the entire coinage system. The half eagle design would remain unchanged until Bela Lyon Pratt's controversial incuse Indian Head replaced it in 1908.