Liberty Head Half Eagle ($5 Gold Coin) Pendant

This item is a United States Liberty Head Half Eagle gold coin, which has been converted into a jewelry pendant. The coin, face value of five dollars, is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper. Visible is the 'reverse' side of the coin, featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching three arrows and an olive branch. Above the eagle's head is the 'S' mint mark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. The eagle is encircled by the text 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the denomination 'FIVE D.' Beneath the eagle's head is a ribbon with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST,' a feature added to this design starting in 1866. Based on the mint mark and design, this coin dates between 1866 and 1908. The coin is mounted in a gold-toned bezel frame with a simple loop bale at the top for suspension on a chain. Regarding condition, the coin shows significant signs of 'ex-jewelry' wear, including a noticeable vertical scratch or stress mark running through the top of the coin near the bezel mount. The surfaces show typical circulation wear with softening of the eagle's feathers and rim dings. The bezel appears to be tightly fitted, which often causes edge damage to numismatic specimens. The overall patina is a rich warm yellow, characteristic of historical U.S. gold coinage.