Numismatic

1910-S $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle AU

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In 1910, the San Francisco mint produced a run of 770,200 gold half eagles, representing a fascinating era in American coinage. This five-dollar piece stands out immediately because of its incuse design, meaning the details are sunken into the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. This unusual technique gives the coin a distinct depth and texture, setting it apart from traditional issues of the period. The front of the coin displays a profile of a Native American wearing a traditional ceremonial headdress. Surrounding this central figure are thirteen stars, the word 'Liberty', and the 1910 year of manufacture. The artist Bela Lyon Pratt created this distinctive look, which was used on these half eagles from 1908 to 1929. The initials 'BLP' are visible on the design, confirming the artist's handiwork. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands as the central focus. The surrounding inscriptions include 'United States of America', 'Five Dollars', and the traditional mottos 'E Pluribus Unum' and 'In God We Trust'. Struck in 90 percent pure gold, each coin contains 0.2419 troy ounces of precious metal. This particular specimen survives in Almost Uncirculated condition, preserving the sharp, recessed details of this remarkable design experiment.