Numismatic

1908-D $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle MS-64 NGC

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In 1908, the United States Mint introduced a radical departure from traditional coinage design with the Indian Head Half Eagle. Unlike typical coins with raised features, this five dollar gold piece features an incuse design, meaning the details are recessed below the flat surface of the coin. This innovative technique gives the coin a distinct, flat profile that was unlike anything else in American pockets at the time. The obverse displays a realistic portrait of a Native American chief wearing a traditional feathered headdress. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the top edge, with the year 1908 positioned at the bottom. The designer's initials, BLP, are also visible near the base of the bust. On the reverse, a proud eagle stands amidst the inscriptions that define the nation's currency. This particular specimen was struck at the Denver Mint, indicated by the D mint mark. Out of a relatively small mintage of 148,000 pieces, this coin has survived in remarkable condition. It has been certified in Mint State 64 (MS-64), indicating a high level of preservation with original luster and minimal surface marks. Struck from 0.900 fine gold with a gold content of 0.2419 troy ounces, it represents a fascinating chapter in twentieth-century coining technology.