1908 $5 Indian NGC MS65 CAC
2026/05/24
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2026/05/24
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2026/05/23
Fairly easy.
2026/05/23
Been using Blanchard for many years. They have always been great.
2026/05/21
Blanchard has always been a good merchant to deal with.
2026/05/21
Finicky site
Introduction
The 1908 $5 Indian Head Gold Half Eagle is one of the most innovative and visually distinctive gold coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Graded NGC MS65 and approved by CAC, this Gem Mint State example showcases exceptional luster, strong detail, and premium eye appeal. As the inaugural year of the Indian Head Half Eagle series, the 1908 issue holds a special place among collectors of early 20th century American gold coinage.
History
The Indian Head Half Eagle was introduced in 1908 during President Theodore Roosevelt’s ambitious effort to elevate the artistic quality of United States coinage. Designed by sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, the series departed dramatically from traditional raised-relief designs by employing an incuse format, where the design elements are recessed beneath the surface of the coin. This bold artistic choice generated significant attention at the time and helped establish the Indian Head series as one of the most unique in American numismatic history. High-grade examples with CAC approval remain especially desirable among collectors today.
Design
The obverse features a left-facing Native American portrait wearing a detailed feathered headdress, with LIBERTY inscribed above and the date positioned below. Pratt’s incuse design gives the coin a sculptural appearance unlike any previous United States gold issue, with the recessed devices creating a distinctive visual effect.
The reverse displays a standing eagle perched atop a bundle of arrows entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing military readiness and peace. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the denomination FIVE DOLLARS. The recessed reverse design complements the obverse and reinforces the coin’s bold artistic identity.
| Mint | Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| Metal | Gold |
| Year | 1908 |
| Diameter | 21.6 mm |
| Fineness | .900 |
| Weight | 0.2419 |
A LITTLE STICKER MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Within each number of the coin grading scale is a small range of condition from low-end to high-end. Certified coins of the same grade can be of varying quality. Many of today’s collectors want coins that are solid or premium quality for their assigned grade. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so you can be confident in the value of yours. We verify previously graded coins … and award our sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.
WHAT THE CAC STICKER MEANS:
- Verified. Your coin has been verified as meeting the standard for strict quality within its grade.
- Guaranteed. CAC stands behind our verification.
THE CAC STICKER IS BACKED BY EXPERIENCE.
CAC was founded by leading members of the numismatic community, including John Albanese, a respected authority on coin grading and the rare coin market.
