Description:
Offered here is a 1909 Indian Head Half Eagle ($5 gold piece), certified MS62 by NGC. This historic U.S. gold coin features the iconic incuse design by Bela Lyon Pratt — a bold departure from traditional raised-relief motifs. With lustrous surfaces and minimal contact marks for the grade, this certified Mint State specimen offers collectors both historical significance and long-term value in U.S. gold.
Specifications:
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Denomination: $5 Half Eagle
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Year of Issue: 1909
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Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
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Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
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Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
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Fineness: .900
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Diameter: 21.6 mm
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Weight: 8.36 grams (0.24187 oz actual gold weight)
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Grade: MS62
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Certification: NGC
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Holder: NGC-certified slab
Highlights:
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Certified Mint State 62 by NGC – bright surfaces with strong detail
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Features the recessed incuse design unique to the $2.50 and $5 Indian series
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Obverse: Native American chief in full headdress
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Reverse: Standing eagle perched on arrows and olive branch
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Part of a short-lived gold coin series (1908–1929)
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Struck in .900 fine gold with over 0.24 oz actual gold weight
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A premium early 20th-century U.S. gold coin for type and investment collectors
Historical Note:
The Indian Head Half Eagle, introduced in 1908, broke from numismatic tradition by featuring incuse engraving — where the design is sunken below the coin’s surface rather than raised. Sculpted by Bela Lyon Pratt, it was both artistically daring and initially controversial among collectors and the public.
Today, the series is admired for its boldness and artistry. The 1909 issue, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is a popular early-year example. In certified MS62, this coin offers a balance of affordability, historical significance, and gold content — making it a compelling piece for both collectors and investors.
Looking to build a U.S. gold type set or add certified gold to your portfolio? We stock a range of Indian Head, Liberty Head, and Saint-Gaudens gold coins — contact us for availability.
