Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929)

Gold	$3,875.61
Silver	$49.46
Platinum	$1,434.23
Palladium	$976.61

The Indian Head $5 Half Eagle, struck 1908 to 1929, is a 90% gold coin with an unusual incuse design that is sunk into the surface.

Obverse (Front) Design

A left-facing Native American man wearing a feathered headdress, with the design sunk below the surface of the coin.

Reverse (Back) Design

A standing eagle on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch, also sunk into the surface, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1908–1929

Denomination

5 Dollars (Half Eagle)

Designer / Engraver

Bela Lyon Pratt

Mints

Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, New Orleans (1909 only)

Composition

90% gold, 10% copper

Precious Metal Content

About 0.2419 troy oz of pure gold

Weight

8.359 g

Diameter

21.6 mm

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The Indian Head Half Eagle was designed by sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt and replaced the Liberty Head half eagle in 1908. Pratt’s design was unusual because the design and letters are incuse, which means they are sunk into the surface instead of raised above it.

Some people thought the sunken design would collect dirt and germs, but the coin was struck for many years. A quarter eagle with the same incuse design was made in the same period.

The coin was struck at Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco, and in 1909 at New Orleans, which was the last gold coin made at that mint. The 1929 date is one of the key coins of the series.

Collecting Tips

Because the design is incuse, wear and damage can look different from other coins; check the high points of the headdress.
The 1909-O and 1929 dates are scarcer and worth more.
Buy certified coins for key dates.

Photographs by Grade

Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929) MS62 obverse — MS62

Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929) MS63 obverse — MS63

Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929) MS64 obverse — MS64

Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929) MS65 obverse — MS65

Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929) MS66 obverse — MS66

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indian $5 Half Eagle (1908-1929)

What does incuse mean?

The design is pressed into the surface of the coin rather than raised above it.

How much gold is in an Indian $5 half eagle?

About 0.2419 troy ounces of pure gold.

Which mint made the 1909-O?

The New Orleans mint, which made its last gold coins that year.

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