Numismatic

1909 $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle MS-64 NGC

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In 1909, the Philadelphia Mint produced a run of 627,060 gold half eagles, representing a fascinating era in American coinage. These five dollar gold pieces are immediately recognizable by their distinctive incuse design, where the details are sunken below the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. Because this issue was struck at the main Philadelphia facility, it features no mint mark. The obverse of this coin showcases a detailed portrait of a Native American chief wearing a traditional feathered headdress, surrounded by stars. On the reverse, a proud eagle stands amidst the classic national mottos, including the phrases IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM. This particular specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition, earning a high grade of Mint State 64 (MS-64) from a major third-party grading service, which highlights the preservation of its original golden luster and sharp details.