Numismatic

1916-S $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle MS-63 PCGS

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In 1916, the San Francisco Mint struck a limited run of 240,000 gold half eagles, representing the five dollar denomination. This particular coin is a remarkable survivor from that year, certified in Mint State 63 (MS-63) condition. Containing 0.2419 troy ounces of pure gold within its 0.900 fine alloy, the piece stands as a fascinating example of early twentieth-century American coinage before the nation transitioned away from circulating gold. What makes this coin truly distinctive is its revolutionary incuse design, where the details are sunken below the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. The obverse features a realistic portrait of a Native American chieftain in a full headdress, accompanied by the 1916 date. On the reverse, a proud eagle stands amidst the classic national mottos, including "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The tiny "S" mint mark on the reverse denotes its origin at the historic San Francisco facility, making it a captivating object of study for anyone interested in the evolution of minting techniques.