1916-S $5 Indian NGC AU58

The 1916-S $5 Indian Half Eagle holds a significant place in American numismatics, not only as part of Bela Lyon Pratt's innovative incuse design series but also as the final example of this denomination struck at the San Francisco Mint. While the $5 Indian Head series would resume briefly in 1929, that final issue came from the Philadelphia Mint. As such, the 1916-S stands as the closing chapter for San Francisco's production of the Indian Half Eagle.

The Indian Head design, introduced in 1908, was groundbreaking in its use of recessed, or incuse, engraving. Unlike traditional raised designs, both the obverse and reverse elements of the Indian Half Eagle are sunken below the coin's surface. This unusual method made the coin more resistant to wear but also met with mixed reactions from the public and bankers at the time, who were concerned about stacking and hygiene. Over time, however, the design gained appreciation and is now celebrated as one of the boldest artistic departures in U.S. coinage history.

The obverse features a profile of a Native American chief adorned in a detailed feathered headdress. Surrounding the portrait are 13 stars, representing the original colonies, and the word "LIBERTY." Below the portrait is the date, 1916. On the reverse, a stately eagle stands on a bundle of arrows, which symbolizes military readiness, while resting on an olive branch, representing peace. The mottos "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" accompany the eagle, along with the denomination "FIVE DOLLARS" and the identifying "S" mintmark for San Francisco.

In terms of mintage, the 1916-S saw a relatively limited production of just 240,000 coins. This modest output makes it one of the scarcer entries in the series, particularly in higher circulated grades or Mint State. While the 1915-S has a slightly lower mintage, the 1916-S is notable as the last San Francisco issue, adding to its collector appeal. Moreover, with the onset of World War I and changing economic conditions, gold coin production was winding down in the United States, making later issues like this one even more historically relevant.

This particular example is graded AU58 (About Uncirculated) by NGC, meaning it shows only the slightest trace of wear on the highest points of the design. With nearly full mint luster and sharp details, it offers an almost Mint State appearance at a more accessible price point. Coins in AU58 are often favored by collectors who want a piece that exhibits strong eye appeal without the premium of a certified MS grade.

The 1916-S is often sought after by type collectors and Indian Half Eagle specialists alike. It bridges the artistic innovation of early 20th-century U.S. coinage with the historic wind-down of circulating gold coin production. Collectors value it not only for its scarcity and condition but also for its place in the broader narrative of American coinage—a final salute from the San Francisco Mint to a series that dared to defy convention.

Whether you're assembling a complete set of Indian Head Half Eagles, focusing on branch mint issues, or simply adding a visually compelling and historically meaningful piece to your collection, the 1916-S $5 Indian in AU58 represents an exceptional opportunity. With its limited mintage, near-Mint State preservation, and powerful design, this coin remains a lasting tribute to a pivotal era in American numismatics.