1909-O $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle MS-61 NGC

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In 1909, the New Orleans Mint struck a remarkably small run of five-dollar gold pieces, totaling just 34,200 coins. This specific issue is highly regarded by enthusiasts because it represents the final year the historic Southern facility produced gold coinage, leaving behind a legacy captured in this half eagle. The obverse of the coin displays a departure from traditional representations of Liberty, depicting her wearing a Native American war bonnet. Thirteen stars surround this central figure, accompanied by the word LIBERTY and the 1909 date. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands as the central focus, framed by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the five-dollar denomination. This gold coin features an unusual sunken, or incuse, design where the details are pressed below the flat surface. Stamped with the O mint mark on the reverse, this certified Mint State 61 piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the final days of gold coin production in New Orleans.