The $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle represents the last design type in the US Mint’s Pre-33 $5 Half Eagle series. In 1916, only the San Francisco Mint struck $5 Half Eagles for circulation in the United States. The year’s output reached 240,000 pieces—above 1915—and it would be the final issue until production resumed in 1929. Now, 1916-S $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle Coins in Mint State condition are available online from BullionMax.

Coin Highlights:

• Coin ships in a protective plastic slab!
• 9th release in the Indian Half Eagle series!
• Struck by the San Francisco Mint!
• Final mintage of 240,000 coins!
• Contains .242 troy oz of actual gold content.
• Legal tender with a face value of $5 (USD).
• Graded Mint State 61 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
• Obverse showcases an indigenous figure.
• Reverse depicts an American bald eagle on a sheaf of arrows.
• Includes the “S” mint mark.

On the obverse of the 1916-S $5 Gold Half Eagle, you’ll see a left-facing portrait of an indigenous figure. The design is one of the earliest US coin motifs centered on an indigenous subject, presenting a chief wearing a feathered headdress. Thirteen stars frame the portrait—six to the left field and seven to the right—along with the date below.

For the reverse of the 1916-S Indian Gold Half Eagle, the artwork features a calm American bald eagle. The bird stands on a bundle of arrows wrapped with an olive branch, with wings held close to the body. Both the obverse and reverse are rendered as incuse strikes, meaning the devices are recessed into the coin’s surface rather than raised.

Bela Lyon Pratt introduced this incuse approach in 1908, placing a Native American chief in profile and pressing the image into the planchet. The method, unusual for US coinage at the time, drew debate around both technique and cultural presentation, yet it has come to be recognized as one of the most distinctive designs in American numismatics.

These 1916-S $5 Indian Gold Half Eagle Coins carry a Mint State 61 grade. MS61 coins typically show a few heavy contact marks and a noticeable patch of hairlines. Many 1916 Half Eagles display bright luster, with gold tones that can range from greenish gold to orange-gold.

BullionMax customer service is ready to help you buy gold coins at 800-729-3202. You can also reach us through our web chat and by email.