$5 Indian Head Half Eagle BU (Dates/Types Vary)

Introduction

The $5 Indian Head Half Eagle in Brilliant Uncirculated condition combines historic U.S. gold coinage with Bela Lyon Pratt's distinctive incuse design. Struck in 90% gold, these coins feature recessed design elements that distinguish the series from traditional raised-relief U.S. coinage. Dates and mintmarks vary based on available inventory.

History

The Indian Head Half Eagle was introduced in 1908 alongside the similarly designed $2.50 Indian Head Quarter Eagle. Sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt created an innovative incuse design in which the principal devices and inscriptions were recessed below the surface of the coin.

Indian Head Half Eagles were issued annually from 1908 through 1916, followed by a final issue in 1929. Coins were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mints, although individual dates and mintmarks vary throughout the series.

Brilliant Uncirculated examples show no evidence of circulation and retain the characteristics associated with Mint State coins. Because this listing includes varying dates and mintmarks, the specific year, mintmark, mintage, and individual appearance of the coin received may vary.

Design

The obverse features a Native American portrait wearing a feathered headdress. Thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait. The inscription LIBERTY appears above, with the date below.

The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch. The inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, and FIVE DOLLARS. Branch-mint issues carry a mintmark on the reverse, while Philadelphia issues have no mintmark.