The 1909 $5 Half Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was part of the U.S. Mints efforts to modernize coin designs under President Theodore Roosevelts vision. The coins design, featuring a bold depiction of Liberty, symbolized American strength and the nations growing global presence. The use of gold in the 1909 Half Eagle reflected the country’s continued reliance on the gold standard, which played a crucial role in the U.S. economy at the time.
Saint-Gaudens design for the 1909 Half Eagle also marked a shift towards more artistic coinage. This design came amid political changes, with Roosevelt seeking to enhance U.S. national identity and assert its dominance. The coins gold content reflected America’s economic stability, even as the world began to face challenges leading up to World War I.