1908–1929 $5 Gold Indian XF

The Last Of The Gold Indians

In the history of the United States coinage, only two circulating coins were ever struck with an incuse design where the design sits below the surface of the coin rather than above it—the $2.50 and $5 Gold Indians. The theory was that by recessing their design, the coins would last longer. Sadly, this was not the case, but the theory did lead to the creation of some of the most unique coins ever struck by the United States Mint!

One Of The Shortest-Lived Series In U.S. Coin History

One of the shortest-lived series in U.S. coin history, the 1908-1929 “Gold Indian” $5 coins are collector favorites today. People love the magnificent portrait of an authentic-looking Native American on the obverse and the proud Bald Eagle on the coin’s reverse. But what really sets these coins apart is their recessed or incused design—which was basically a reverse of the normal die in that the design was pressed into the coin rather than the typical coin where the design rises outward from the coin. Designed by Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, the $5 Gold Indians were struck from 1908 to 1916 and again for one last time in 1929, the last $5 “Half Eagle” denominations to be struck for circulation, ending a run that began in the 1790s!

With its incuse design, the $5 Gold Indian has gone down in American history as one of the nation’s most intriguing numismatic stories. Now you can own one of these coins graded in nice, Extremely Fine (XF) condition. Date and grading service our choice.

This high-grade $5 Gold Indian is sure to be a feather in your cap. Add the legacy of the U.S. Mint’s incuse designs to your collection and secure one of these coins now!

COIN HIGHLIGHTS:

• FAMOUS INCUSE DESIGN – Struck from 1908-1929, America’s $5 Gold Indian coins featured a design that was recessed or incused into the coin. Only the $2.50 Indians struck during the same period featured this same incuse deign, making them two of the most intriguing U.S. coins ever issued. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, his initials “BLP” can be seen on the coin’s obverse at the base of the Native American’s bust.
• STRUCK IN PURE AMERICAN GOLD – Each coin was struck in 8.359 grams of highly pure 90% fine American gold and measures 21.6 mm in diameter.
• LEGAL TENDER U.S. COINAGE – The denomination of $5 is shown on the coin’s reverse where it reads “FIVE DOLLARS” Below the talons of the proud American eagle.
• FANTASTIC GRADE FOR COINS THIS OLD – Your $5 Gold Indian will come in nice, Extremely Fine (XF) condition! Date and grading service our choice.

When the new $5 Gold Indians were released in 1908, folks gasped. The design was sunk into the surface of the coin rather than raising it above. And what a design! Secure this unique, short-lived $5 Half Eagle now!