Indian 5 Gold Half Eagles
The Indian $5 Half Eagle Gold coin contains 0.2419 troy ounces of gold.
Learn More About Indian 5 Gold Half Eagles
The $5 Indian Half Eagle gold coins, minted from 1908 to 1933, are a unique and historically significant series in U.S. coinage.
These coins contain 0.2419 troy ounces of gold and were struck in an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper, often called "standard gold."
This composition gives the coins both durability and a distinctive reddish hue. For bullion investors and numismatists alike, these coins offer an appealing combination of intrinsic gold value and collectible appeal.
$5 Half Eagle Gold Coin Specifications
- Gold Content: 0.2419 troy ounces (approximately 7.52 grams of pure gold)
- Total Weight: 8.359 grams
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter: 21.6 mm
- Mint Marks: Found below the eagle on the reverse (Philadelphia issues lack a mint mark)
The $5 Indian Half Eagle gold coins were minted from 1908 to 1933 and contain 0.2419 troy ounces of gold. These coins are made from "standard gold", which is an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper, making them tangible assets that are valued not only for their gold content but also for their historical and collectible value.
The overall weight of each coin is approximately 8.359 grams.
$5 Indian Half Eagle Design and Unique Aesthetic Appeal
The $5 Indian Half Eagle stands out among U.S. gold coinage for its incuse design, meaning the design elements are sunken into the coin's surface rather than raised. This makes it one of only two U.S. coin series ever produced with this technique (the other being the $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle).
- Obverse (Front): Features a detailed left-facing bust of a Native American chief in a headdress, surrounded by 13 stars. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above, with the date positioned below.
- Reverse (Back): Displays a majestic eagle standing on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing both strength and peace. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE D." frame the image, with mint marks (if present) located below the eagle.
This bold and unconventional design—created by sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt—makes the series highly distinctive in both numismatic and bullion circles.
Bullion Investment Appeal
For those focused on gold bullion investing, circulated $5 Indian Half Eagles presents an intriguing option.
With nearly a quarter-ounce of gold, these coins provide an alternative to modern bullion coins like American Gold Eagles, but with added numismatic and historical value. Their 90% gold alloy makes them more durable for handling than 24k gold bullion coins.
As part of the Pre-1933 U.S. gold series, these coins were issued when gold was still used as currency. Many of these coins were melted following FDR’s 1933 Executive Order 6102, making surviving specimens even more desirable. They serve as a historical hedge against fiat currency instability, reinforcing gold’s long-standing role as a store of value.
In recent years, premiums on circulated pre-1933 gold coins have gone down, making them more accessible for bullion investors. High-grade numismatic examples can still command significant premiums.
However, circulated XF (Extra Fine) or AU (About Uncirculated) coins can often be acquired closer to their melt value.
Recognized worldwide, the $5 Indian Half Eagle is easily tradable among bullion dealers, coin shops, and private investors.
