Indian Head Half Eagle Values
How Much Indian Head Half Eagles are Worth: Indian Head Half Eagle Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $936 | $960 | $1,807 | $2,960 | $18,995 | $22,920 |
| 1908 | D | -- | -- | -- | $785 | $802 | $808 | $1,056 | $960 | $2,135 | $3,389 | $30,495 | $65,000 |
| 1908 | S | -- | -- | -- | -- | $888 | $1,006 | $995 | $5,780 | $12,025 | $15,350 | $22,950 | $35,125 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $782 | $960 | $1,883 | $3,545 | $13,178 | $21,670 |
| 1909 | D | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $866 | $830 | $960 | $1,287 | $2,520 | $11,619 | $22,920 |
| 1909 | O | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,200 | $7,910 | $10,175 | $27,950 | $113,500 | $181,250 | $490,000 | $807,500 |
| 1909 | S | -- | -- | $810 | $835 | $827 | $815 | $998 | $3,565 | $14,690 | $21,300 | $65,000 | $109,250 |
| 1910 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $751 | $960 | $1,844 | $3,669 | $12,922 | $28,600 |
| 1910 | S | -- | -- | -- | $785 | $802 | $876 | $926 | $1,550 | $10,870 | $33,200 | $96,875 | $175,000 |
| 1911 | (None) Phil | 60-80 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $11,400 | $21,350 | $32,150 | $59,000 | $88,750 |
| 1911 | S | -- | -- | -- | $785 | $802 | $752 | $931 | $1,179 | $5,115 | $11,338 | $58,900 | $103,750 |
| 1911 | D | -- | -- | -- | $900 | $860 | $1,212 | $2,103 | $6,890 | $33,200 | $65,000 | $343,000 | -- |
| 1911 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $747 | $960 | $1,984 | $3,458 | $15,870 | $34,300 |
| 1912 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $830 | $960 | $1,870 | $2,945 | $12,870 | $55,420 |
| 1912 | S | -- | -- | -- | -- | $837 | $871 | $788 | $2,020 | $16,600 | $44,000 | $272,750 | -- |
| 1913 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $886 | $776 | $971 | $2,179 | $3,109 | $32,995 | $58,400 |
| 1913 | S | -- | -- | -- | $785 | $802 | $779 | $916 | $2,130 | $12,725 | $28,995 | $139,750 | $238,000 |
| 1914 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $830 | $960 | $2,310 | $3,735 | $13,621 | $155,000 |
| 1914 | D | -- | -- | -- | $785 | $802 | $808 | $916 | $1,038 | $3,443 | $4,398 | $16,995 | $50,650 |
| 1914 | S | -- | -- | -- | -- | $815 | $836 | $805 | $2,130 | $13,500 | $53,100 | $173,000 | -- |
| 1915 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $775 | $785 | $802 | $808 | $916 | $960 | $1,969 | $4,719 | $12,148 | $80,000 |
| 1929 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $12,100 | $18,250 | $22,675 | $31,800 | $42,300 | $49,750 | $114,250 | -- |
Indian Head Half Eagle: A Revolutionary Gold Coin Design
Minted from 1908 to 1929, the Indian Head Half Eagle introduced a groundbreaking design that set it apart from all previous U.S. coinage. Created by Bela Lyon Pratt, this coin was one of the only U.S. coins to feature an incuse (sunken) design, where the details are carved into the coin’s surface rather than raised above it. This innovative technique, historical significance, and limited mintage make the Indian Head Half Eagle a prized piece for collectors.
A Unique and Controversial Design
The Indian Head Half Eagle marked a significant shift in U.S. coin artistry following President Theodore Roosevelt’s campaign to beautify American coinage. Unlike traditional coins, which had raised reliefs, the Indian Head series had its design sunken into the metal, giving it a distinct look and feel.
The obverse features a Native American chief in a full headdress, a departure from the classical depictions of Liberty on earlier gold coins. The reverse showcases a perched eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The same design was used on the Indian Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50 coin).
Many critics at the time believed the incuse design would allow dirt and germs to accumulate in the recessed areas, making the coin “unhygienic.” However, this fear was unfounded, and the coin circulated widely.
Challenges in Collecting the Indian Head Half Eagle
Because of its incuse design, many examples exhibit wear more prominently than traditional coins. The recessed surfaces were more prone to collecting marks, making high-grade specimens rare.
Where to Find Them:
Indian Head Half Eagles are best acquired through numismatic auctions, coin shows, and reputable dealers. Many circulated examples exist, but unworn or well-preserved specimens command premium prices.
What to Look For:
- Sharp details in the Native American’s headdress and facial features.
- Strong definition in the eagle’s feathers and arrows.
- Minimal surface marks, as these coins tend to show wear more visibly than raised-relief designs.
Key Dates and Scarce Issues
While all Indian Head Half Eagles hold collectible value, certain issues stand out as particularly rare:
- 1909-O Indian Head Half Eagle – The only $5 gold coin ever struck at the New Orleans Mint, making it a key rarity.
- 1911-D Indian Head Half Eagle – Features the lowest mintage of the series (72,500 coins), making it highly sought after.
- 1929 Indian Head Half Eagle – The final year of issue, struck just before the Great Depression ended gold coin circulation.
Varieties and Collectible Errors
Some coins exhibit weak mintmarks, particularly the 1911-D, making strong “D” mintmark examples significantly more valuable. Error collectors also seek out die cracks and doubled dies.
Historical Context and Gold Coin Circulation
The Indian Head Half Eagle circulated during economic expansion and shifting monetary policy in the United States. However, after the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression, gold coin production was halted. By 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order recalling most gold coins from circulation, increasing the rarity of surviving specimens.
Why This Coin Appeals to Investors and Collectors
- Its unique incuse design distinguishes it from all other U.S. gold coins.
- Many were melted following the 1933 gold recall, reducing surviving populations.
- Key dates, especially the 1909-O and 1911-D, remain highly sought after.
A One-of-a-Kind Gold Coin with Lasting Appeal
The Indian Head Half Eagle remains one of U.S. history’s most innovative and collectible gold coins. Its distinctive recessed design, short mintage period, and connection to Roosevelt’s coinage reform make it an essential piece for collectors and investors alike. Whether acquired for its historical importance, rarity, or artistic appeal, this coin continues to captivate numismatists over a century after its introduction.
