Numismatic

1911 $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle MS-61 PCGS

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In 1911, the Philadelphia mint produced a five dollar gold piece that stands out as a remarkable departure from traditional coin design. This half eagle, composed of 0.2419 troy ounces of 0.900 fine gold, features an incuse design where the details are sunken into the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. This unusual technique gives the coin a distinctively modern, sculptural quality that continues to captivate observers. The obverse presents a striking portrait of Liberty, depicted wearing a traditional Native American war bonnet. Thirteen stars encircle this central figure, representing the original colonies, while the word Liberty is inscribed directly upon the band of the headdress. The year 1911 is clearly struck below the portrait. On the reverse, a majestic bald eagle stands proudly, surrounded by the classic national mottos of E Pluribus Unum and In God We Trust. The inscriptions designating the country as the United States of America and the denomination of five dollars are also integrated into this side of the coin. This specific specimen has been certified in Mint State 61 (MS-61) condition, preserving the intricate details of this historic gold issue.