1911 $5

Description

1911 Philadelphia $5 Indian Head Half Eagle, PCGS MS-63. This 1911-P Half Eagle represents a significant example of Bela Lyon Pratt's iconic Indian Head design, one of the most artistically distinguished gold coins in American numismatic history. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 915,000 pieces, this issue ranks among the more obtainable dates within the 1908-1929 Indian Head $5 series. The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams with a diameter of 21.6 millimeters and reeded edge. Certified by PCGS as MS-63 (Certificate #53577025), this example demonstrates the characteristics typical of this date and grade. The 1911 is notably challenging to locate in higher Mint State grades, with true gem examples remaining quite elusive despite the relatively robust original mintage. Population data indicates 1,195 examples have been certified in higher grades, with 2,637 total certified across all grades, reflecting the scarcity of premium pieces. The surfaces typically display the granular character common to this issue, with lustre ranging from good to modest rather than radiant. Strike quality on the obverse often shows weakness in the headdress feathers, consistent with production characteristics of the date. Color generally presents as light to medium yellow or greenish-yellow gold. The MS-63 grade represents a significant achievement for this date, positioning this piece well above the common circulated examples while remaining more accessible than the truly rare MS-64 and finer specimens that command substantial premiums.