Capped Bust $5 Gold Coin (1807-1834)
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Designer: John Reich
Composition: 91.67% gold; 8.33% silver & copper
Weight: 8.75g
Edge Type: Reeded
The design changed in 1807 from a turban to a more traditional cap with the word LIBERTY on the band.
Known as the “Capped Bust facing right” The obverse features 6 star on the right and
7 stars on the left. The date below the bust. The reverse has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
around the edge and E PLURIBUS UNUM in a bar just over the eagle. The eagle has a shield
on its chest and is holding arrows. Below the eagle is the demonination 2 1/2 D.
The 1813 redesign featured a smaller bust on the obverse with no cleavage, and a
different face. There are 13 stars around the edge with the date below the bust.
The reverse was the same as the 1808 coin which had UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around
the edge and E PLURIBUS UNUM in a bar just over the eagle. The eagle has a shield
on its chest and is holding arrows. Below the eagle is the demonination 2 1/2 D.
In 1829, the Type 3, Small Diameter (1829-1834) coin was reduced in size again to
18.2 mm. The only change was the smaller diameter.
Coin Values: Because so many of these coins were melted the number available is small. 1820’s coins are highly sought after especially 1822. Those that are available are graded usually AU or less. A 1807 AU53 Gold $5 Capped Bust (Type 1) sold for $7350 while a 1811 MS63 Gold $5 Capped Bust (Type 1) sold for $30,500 and a 1813 MS64 Gold $5 Capped Bust (Type 2) sold for $64,875.
1807 Gold $5 Capped Bust (Type 1)
1813 Gold $5 Capped Head (Type 2)