Cowboy Bob's Dictionary

Half Eagle

Half eagle gold coin

A former United States gold coin worth 5 dollars. Beginning in 1795, the United States Mint produced a $10 gold coin commonly referred to as an "Eagle" because of the large portrait of that bird on the reverse of the coin. Subsequently, $20 gold pieces were popularly called "Double Eagles" and the $5 coin was known as a "Half Eagle."

United States Mint image.