Indian Head Half Eagle ($5) Value
1908–1929 · $5 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $400.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $450.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $550.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $900.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $2,700 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $13,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | Final year — most melted during gold recall | $5,000–$30,000 |
| 1909-O | Only New Orleans issue, mintage of 34,200 | $2,000–$20,000 |
| 1911-D | Low Denver mintage of 72,500 | $800–$8,000 |
| 1908-S | First year San Francisco issue | $500–$3,000 |
| 1916-S | Last San Francisco issue before hiatus | $500–$4,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Bela Lyon Pratt
- Years
- 1908–1929
- Denomination
- $5
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 21.6 mm
- Weight
- 8.36 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Indian Head Half Eagle ($5): History & Background
The Indian Head Half Eagle shares its unique incuse design with its companion quarter eagle, both created by Bela Lyon Pratt as part of President Theodore Roosevelt's effort to beautify American coinage. The $5 gold piece features the same sunken-relief Native American portrait and standing eagle as the $2.50 coin but in a larger format. The series was minted continuously from 1908 through 1916, resumed in 1929 for one final year, and contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold. Many dates were produced in large quantities for commerce, but the 1929 issue is scarce because most were melted after the US abandoned the gold standard. The incuse design remains one of the most distinctive in American numismatics.
How to Grade a Indian Head Half Eagle ($5)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →