The weight and gold content of the Liberty Half Eagles was specified under the Coinage Act of 1837. The denomination carried a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper, with a weight of 8.36 grams or 129 grains. The diameter was 22.5 mm from 1839 to 1840, but reduced to 21.6 mm for the remainder of the series. All coins have a reeded edge.
Production for the series would take place at the Philadelphia, Carson City, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco mint facilities. Coins struck at Philadelphia do not carry a mint mark. The mint mark for coins struck at the other facilities appears on the reverse of the coin between the eagle and the denomination.
