The US 1876 Half Eagle $5, designed by Christian Gobrecht, featured a Liberty head on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Its release coincided with the centennial of American independence, linking national pride to gold coinage. Gobrecht’s design emphasised stability and tradition, while the coin’s gold content reinforced confidence in the economy and the metal’s value.
Politically, the US 1876 Half Eagle $5 circulated during Reconstruction, reflecting federal authority and economic recovery. The design highlighted America’s heritage, and fluctuations in gold prices affected its intrinsic value. Gobrecht’s artistry combined aesthetics with monetary function, making the coin both symbolic and practical.