Indian Head Half Eagles
The Indian Head Half Eagle was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt and was made at the US Mint from 1908 to 1929. These gold coins, along with the quarter eagle denomination, are unique as the only US coins with an incused, or inset, design. This technique was used reduce wear on the coins and discourage counterfeiting. Unfortunately, this particular design is one of the most copied of all US coin series.
The obverse of the coin shows a Native American in a ceremonial headdress, with the word "LIBERTY" above and the date below. A total of
thirteen stars flank either side of the design, signifying the 13 original colonies.
The reverse features an eagle perched atop a bundle of arrows, and clutching an olive branch in its talons. Inscriptions read "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" across the top, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on the left, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the right of the eagle. The denomination "FIVE DOLLARS" is at the base of the coin.
Coin Specifications:
Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
Weight: 8.36 grams
Comp: 90.0% Gold, 10.0% Copper
Diameter: 21.6mm
Edge: Reeded
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