1909 (S) Indian Head Half Eagle
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$103,500 MS66 01-05-2011 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1909 (S) Indian Head Half Eagle, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is part of the Indian Head Half Eagles 1908-1929 collection. With a mintage of 297,200, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 7% of production. The obverse features a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress, designed in incuse (sunken) relief — a revolutionary departure from traditional raised relief coinage and the reverse displays a standing eagle on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch, in incuse (sunken) relief. The 1909-O (mintage 34,200) is the series key date and the only New Orleans Mint incuse coin. Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco also struck coins. The San Francisco Mint, a Gold Rush-era institution, now specializes in proof and collector coinage. Estimated market value ranges from $1.4K to $16K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8516.
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