2016-02-24 Wed

Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, composed of .900 gold, .100 copper, with a net weight of .2418 ounce pure gold, the 1908-1929 Indian Head five dollar gold was issued by mints of Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver and New Orleans.

This coin was endorsed by President Teddy Roosevelt and was a part of the coin beautification program. It was struck in an innovative “sunken” or “incuse” image. Though the critics feared that “germs” could be “trapped” in the incuse surfaces, the design on the contrary helped to shield the artistic features from wear.

The obverse depicts an Indian Chief and a beautiful eagle with its wings closed is featured on the reverse. The series was very brief and struck from 1908-1916 but was released 13 years later in 1929. The 1909 D piece is very easy to find in Mint State but rare dates include the 1909-10, and the 1911 D. Completing a set of all dates and mint marks in XF (Extra Fine) condition would require a lot of investment.