1912 Indian Head $5 Half Eagle

1912 Indian Head half eagles are $5 gold coins that were designed by Bela Lyon Pratt and first minted in 1908. These coins replaced the long-running Liberty Head design that was in production from 1839 through 1908. The Bela Lyon Pratt designs coincided around the time that U.S. gold coins underwent a revival of sorts, which include the Augustus Saint-Gaudens designs on the eagle and double eagle coins. However, unlike any other coins ever minted, the Indian Head half eagle, along with the Indian Head quarter eagle, is one of just two U.S. coins to feature an incuse design.

Save for the proof specimen, 1912 Indian Head half eagles are common and are often included in bullion investment portfolios. Here’s a rundown of mintages and values below:

• 1912; 790,000 minted, $826

• 1912-S; 392,000, $826

• 1912 proof; 144, $8,750

*Prices are for coins grading Very Fine-30, unless otherwise noted.

Indian Head half eagles contain a composition that is 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper, and at a diameter of 21.6 millimeters are roughly the width of a modern-day U.S. nickel. These $5 face value gold coins weigh 8.359 grams and offer enough heft to satisfy any lover of classic American gold coins.