1911 $5

Description

1911 Philadelphia $5 Indian Head Gold Coin, PCGS MS-63. This 1911-P Half Eagle represents a significant example from Bela Lyon Pratt's iconic Indian Head series, one of the most artistically important gold coin designs of the early 20th century. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 915,000 pieces, the 1911 is among the more frequently encountered dates of the type—though this designation is relative within a series known for its scarcity in higher grades. The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams with a diameter of 21.6mm and reeded edge. Graded PCGS MS-63 (Certificate #53577025), this example represents the upper range of what collectors typically encounter for this date. While the 1911 can be found with some regularity in the MS-60 to MS-63 range, true gem examples in MS-64 and above are considerably scarcer. The population data reflects this reality: of 2,637 total specimens graded by PCGS, only 1,195 have achieved higher grades than this piece, underscoring the rarity of superior examples. Like most 1911 half eagles, this coin exhibits the characteristic striking weakness common to the date, particularly visible in the headdress feathers on the obverse. The surfaces display typical granular texture for the issue, with lustre that is good rather than radiant. The color presents as light to medium yellow gold, consistent with examples of this vintage. In absolute terms, gem condition specimens of the 1911 remain genuinely difficult to locate, making this MS-63 example a desirable holding for the discerning collector of pre-1933 American gold coinage.