Design and Specifications
The $5 Indian Half Eagle, designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, is notable for its incuse design—a unique feature among U.S. coins. The obverse features a Native American chief in full headdress, while the reverse showcases an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch.
- Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Weight: 8.359 grams
- Gold Content: 0.24187 troy oz
- Diameter: 21.6 mm
- Thickness: 1.4 mm
Mint Marks and Varieties
The $5 Indian Half Eagle was minted at several facilities, each identifiable by a mint mark. The mint mark is located on the reverse, to the left of the arrow bundle.
- No mint mark: Philadelphia
- 'D' mint mark: Denver
- 'S' mint mark: San Francisco
Various Grades and Values
| Condition | Value |
|---|
| Good (G) | $450 - $500 |
| Fine (F) | $500 - $550 |
| Very Fine (VF) | $550 - $600 |
| Extremely Fine (EF) | $600 - $750 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $750 - $900 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $900 - $1,200 |
Coins in Good condition show significant wear, with major details worn but still discernible. Fine condition coins have moderate wear but more details remain visible. Very Fine coins show light wear on the high points, while Extremely Fine coins have minimal wear. About Uncirculated coins exhibit only slight traces of wear, and Brilliant Uncirculated coins show no signs of wear with full mint luster.
Collectible Varieties
- 1909-O (New Orleans) - $1,000 to $15,000
The 1909-O Indian Half Eagle is one of the most sought-after coins in this series. It represents the last gold coin issued by the New Orleans Mint, making it highly collectible. Its rarity and historical significance contribute to its elevated value, particularly in higher grades.
Error Coins
- Off-Center Strike - $1,500 to $3,000
Off-center strike error coins occur when the coin is not correctly aligned during the minting process. This results in part of the design being missing. These errors are uncommon for the $5 Indian Half Eagle, making them desirable among collectors and increasing their market value.
Melt Value
The melt value of a $5 Indian Half Eagle is determined by its gold content and the current market price of gold. With a gold content of 0.24187 troy ounces and assuming a gold price of $1,800 per troy ounce, the melt value can be calculated as follows: 0.24187 x $1,800 = $435.37. It's essential to note that the melt value fluctuates with the gold market, independent of the coin's numismatic value.
$5 Indian Half Eagle VF+ Auctions
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Price |
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Additional $5 Indian Half Eagle Very Fine Specifications
