1846 Coronet Head Gold $5 Half Eagle : Small Date

What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):

There were two major varieties of the 1846 $5 gold half eagle. The variety depicted above is the "Small Date" variety with features slightly smaller numbers in the 1846 date. It can sometimes be hard to identify the difference between the varieties - but one way is to look at the number "4" in the date and note the spacing to the left and right of it. The Small Date has much more spacing between the "4" and the rest of the numbers - while the large date has narrower spacing. The difference between the $5 1846 Large Date vs Small Date Half Eagle variety is depicted below in the example comparison image - note the red lines depicting the spacing differences. Source of example images is courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries:

Coin Value Chart: Typical Coin Prices, Values and Worth in USD based on Grade/Condition. Numismatic portion of the values last updated February 2026, precious metal portion of the values is updated live!

Good (G-4)	Very Good (VG-8)	Fine (F-12)	Very Fine (VF-20)	Extremely Fine (EF-40)	About Uncirculated (AU-50)	Uncirculated (MS-60)	Uncirculated (MS-63)	Proof (PR-63)
-	-	-	$1,448	$1,517	$1,715	$4,834	$18,743	-

USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1846 Coronet Head Gold $5 Half Eagle (Small Date Variety) is Worth $1,448 in Average Condition and can be Worth $4,834 to $18,743 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Click here to see the Melt Value of every US Coin.


MELT VALUE: $1132.43