1913 Indian Head $5 Half Eagle

1913 Indian Head half eagles are gold coins with a face value of $5. They were designed by Bela Lyon Pratt and were first put into production in 1908, replacing the Liberty Head design that was struck from 1839 through 1908 and represented one of the longest-running coin series of the time. The Bela Lyon Pratt designs were released just one year after the Augustus Saint-Gaudens eagle and double eagle and were among the four coin series (along with the Indian Head $2.50 quarter eagle) that comprised the United States gold coin design renaissance. Moreover, the Indian Head half eagle is one of just two U.S. coins to feature an incuse design – the other is the aforementioned Indian Head quarter eagle, also a Pratt design.

Except for proof specimens, the 1913 Indian Head half eagles are widely considered common in the spectrum of pre-1934 U.S. gold coins and are often included in bullion investment portfolios. Here’s a look at the mintages and values of 1913 $5 gold coins:

• 1913; 915,901 minted, $808

• 1913-S; 408,000, $841

• 1913 proof; 99, $8,750

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

Even in the case of common coins like the 1913 Indian Head half eagle, exercise caution to avoid buying counterfeit pieces. Only buy from reputable coin dealers or purchase certified specimens.