1909D Indian Head U.S. Gold Half Eagle; Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt; weight 8.359 grams; 90% gold/10% copper; Diameter 21.6 mm.
Photo (c) Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.
The 1909D Indian Head Half Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($5.00 Gold Piece)
The design on this coin is incuse (sunken in) like its sister of the same devices, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle. The proud Native American warrior in his feather war headdress adorns the obverse, with the equally proud (and equally feathered) American Eagle gracing the reverse. This is one of my favorite U.S. gold coin types, and the best part of all is that it usually sells for little more than bullion value in the lower grades! This higher-grade example was certified by NGC at MS-61 and sold for $825.00 in June of 2006.