-
Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 31663
Checkout
The 1914-S $5 Gold Indian in Extra Fine condition stands as a distinguished representative of one of the most innovative and visually striking coin designs in American numismatics. Part of the Indian Head Half Eagle series that ran from 1908 to 1929, the 1914-S issue was struck at the San Francisco Mint and reflects both regional minting history and national design evolution. What makes this series unique is its incuse design—a radical departure from traditional raised reliefs. The 1914-S occupies a compelling position in the series, offering a modest mintage, regional distinction, and a level of scarcity that keeps it in high demand, particularly in problem-free circulated grades such as Extra Fine.
The Indian Head design for the $5 Half Eagle was created by Bela Lyon Pratt, a student of the famed Augustus Saint-Gaudens. At the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, who spearheaded a movement to beautify American coinage, Pratt was commissioned to design both the $2.50 Quarter Eagle and the $5 Half Eagle. His design featured a left-facing Native American wearing a full war bonnet on the obverse, breaking from the classical portrayals of Liberty that had dominated previous issues. The reverse features a proud standing eagle, perched on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch interwoven—a representation of peace through strength. Both obverse and reverse were executed in a recessed or incuse style, where the designs are sunken into the surface of the coin, rather than raised above it.
The obverse of the 1914-S $5 Indian displays the head of a Native American chief with stunning realism and dignity. Surrounding the portrait are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, with the word “LIBERTY” arcing above and the date “1914” below. The unique incuse nature of the design means that the high points of the portrait are actually recessed, protecting them from wear and making the coin’s features better preserved over time. In Extra Fine condition, the details of the headdress feathers, facial features, and the stars remain well-defined, though the highest recessed elements may show modest signs of wear. The coin retains its original charm and communicates the artistic vision of Bela Pratt with striking clarity.
The reverse of the coin complements the obverse with a bold depiction of an American eagle standing upright, its wings partially lifted. To the right of the eagle are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” flank the figure. At the base, the denomination “FIVE DOLLARS” is placed horizontally. On the 1914-S, the mintmark “S” is located to the left of the arrows and beneath the eagle’s tail feathers. In Extra Fine condition, most of the intricate feathering of the eagle is visible, although the highest contours may exhibit some light smoothing. The recessed surfaces help preserve design integrity even in circulated examples, contributing to the enduring popularity of the series.
The San Francisco Mint produced only 263,000 examples of the 1914-S $5 Gold Indian, making it one of the scarcer issues in the series. This relatively low mintage, combined with widespread circulation, has contributed to its current desirability. Many pieces were released into general commerce during a time of increasing economic uncertainty, as World War I tensions grew in Europe. As a result, few were saved in high-grade condition, and most survivors today are found in circulated states. Collectors prize the 1914-S not only for its artistic appeal but also for its low availability compared to more common Philadelphia issues of the same era.
Minted in .900 fine gold, the 1914-S Indian Half Eagle contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold, with a total weight of 8.359 grams. Its diameter measures 21.6 millimeters, and the edge is reeded. Unlike most gold coinage, which tends to wear primarily on the highest raised points, the incuse design of the Indian Head series gives these coins a different wear profile. On Extra Fine specimens, the protective nature of the recessed fields means more of the intricate design remains intact, even after circulation. The incuse format also resulted in a unique tactile experience for users, setting it apart from traditional coinage both visually and physically.
Extra Fine examples of the 1914-S $5 Indian exhibit noticeable yet even wear on both sides, with strong remaining detail throughout. On the obverse, the feathers in the headdress remain distinct, and facial contours are still visible, though lightly softened. The stars and LIBERTY inscription are typically bold, and the date is always full and clear. The reverse retains most of the eagle’s feather definition, especially on the legs and wings, though minor flattening is typical in the center of the breast and tips of the arrows. Luster is usually diminished at this grade level, but the coin maintains an appealing warm gold tone, often showing soft highlights from circulation and handling that enhance its vintage character.
The 1914-S $5 Gold Indian continues to be a cornerstone coin for advanced collectors of early 20th-century U.S. gold. Its artistic pedigree, historical context, and relative scarcity make it highly desirable across all grade levels. In Extra Fine condition, it provides a well-balanced combination of affordability, preservation, and visual appeal. This grade offers enough sharpness to appreciate the intricacies of Pratt’s revolutionary design, while also showcasing the coin’s function as real money in circulation over a century ago. For those assembling complete sets of Indian Head Half Eagles or building a cabinet of classic U.S. gold, the 1914-S remains a vital and engaging selection.
Another appeal of the 1914-S $5 Gold Indian lies in its ability to convey a distinctly American identity. It was issued during a time when the United States was asserting itself more prominently on the global stage and reflects the bold new direction of U.S. coinage under Theodore Roosevelt’s vision. The Native American motif honored indigenous culture in a dignified, albeit symbolic, form, while the powerful eagle on the reverse emphasized national strength and peacekeeping ideals. Collecting and preserving such a piece brings with it not just numismatic reward, but also a deeper connection to the cultural and political mood of early 20th-century America.
The 1914-S $5 Gold Indian in Extra Fine condition is a shining testament to one of the most daring and artistic departures in American coin design. With its incuse features, rich historical background, and low mintage, it remains a key issue for those who appreciate both the art and the substance of U.S. coinage. The survival of such pieces in lightly circulated condition speaks to their durability and enduring charm. Whether admired for its aesthetic qualities, valued for its scarcity, or appreciated as part of a wider gold coin collection, the 1914-S Indian Half Eagle holds its place as one of the standout issues of its era, treasured by collectors and historians alike.