Kneass’ CLASSIC HEAD FIVE DOLLARS or CLASSIC HEAD HALF EAGLE (1834-1838): William Kneass designed the Classic Head Half Eagle, which was minted from 1834 to 1838. He chose to use Reich’s Classic Head motif that was used on large cents of 1808 to 1814. Kneass also adapted Reich’s eagle from the five dollar piece of 1807. The design of the Classic Head Half Eagle shows a profile of Liberty facing left. Her curly hair is held with a band that is inscribed LIBERTY. She is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, with the date below. Around the periphery of the Classic Head Half Eagle are dentils on both sides. The coin has a reeded edge. The reverse of the Classic Head Half Eagle shows a heraldic eagle whose head is turned to the left. In its talons it holds the olive branch and arrows, symbols peace and preparedness.

The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears in an interrupted arc around the coin with the denomination, written as 5 D. below. Missing is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, which was removed from the reverse of the Classic Head Half Eagle to signify the change in weight from 135 grains to 129. It seems that Mint Director Samuel Moore was looking for a reason to phase out the motto for several years, and the change in weight mandated by Congress was the perfect opportunity. The weight and fineness of the coin were changed in order to prevent continued melting for bullion purposes. As a result most of the original gold coins that were minted prior to1834 were turned in to the mint, much of it to be used to make the new half eagles.