1915 Indian Head $5 Half Eagle

1915 Indian Head half eagles are common for the most part and are relatively easy to find at most coin stores where pre-1934 gold coinage is usually handled. Bela Lyon Pratt designed the Indian Head half eagle, and it became one of just two U.S. coins to feature an incuse design. The other incuse coin, by the way, is Pratt’s $2.50 gold quarter eagle.

• 1915; 588,000 minted, $848

• 1915-S; 164,000, $848

• 1915 proof; 75, $9,750

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

There is little to worry about when buying common 1915 Indian Head half eagles as long as you buy from reputable coin dealers. For peace of mind, buy certified gold coinage, though still know what you’re buying. The biggest threat among 1915 $5 gold coins is the 1915-D – an automatic counterfeit as no half eagles made that year came from the Denver mint.

Indian Head half eagles are 21.6 millimeters wide and weigh 8.359 grams, making them approximate in size to modern nickels. These gold coins are made with a composition that is 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper, which is the common gold coinage composition for pre-1934 U.S. gold coins.