What is the value of an 1897 US 5 dollar gold piece?

Answer 1

1897 is not a rare year for half-eagle coins. Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter below the eagle. It may be blank or there may be an S.

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 07/2010:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Very worn condition - $324

Moderately worn - $384

Slightly worn - $408

Almost no wear - $443

Uncirculated - $492 to $7,350 depending on quality

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn - $324

Moderately worn - $384

Slightly worn - $408

Almost no wear - $467

Uncirculated - $720 to $11,910