-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 57057
Checkout
The Certified 1915 $5 Gold Indian graded MS61 by PCGS is a valuable and historically rich coin that reflects one of the most innovative designs in U.S. numismatics. As part of the Indian Head Half Eagle series, which was minted from 1908 to 1929, the 1915 issue is a standout for its elegant artistry, solid gold content, and place in American history. The series is renowned for its unique incuse design—where the images are sunken into the surface rather than raised above it—a revolutionary approach at the time that set it apart from all other U.S. coinage. With its Mint State 61 designation from PCGS, this coin offers collectors and investors a certified example that preserves the integrity and detail of this distinctive issue, while still being accessible relative to higher mint state grades.
The obverse of the 1915 Indian Head Half Eagle showcases a powerful left-facing portrait of a Native American chief, adorned with a detailed feathered war bonnet. This was a deliberate design departure from the traditional allegorical figures of Liberty used previously on U.S. coinage. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, the portrait is striking and dignified, embodying a rugged realism that conveyed strength and nobility. Above the chief’s head is the word “LIBERTY,” and along the rim are thirteen stars, symbolizing the original American colonies. The date “1915” is positioned just below the bust. In MS61 condition, the coin exhibits full detail in the facial features, feathers, and inscriptions, although minor contact marks or small abrasions may be visible in the fields due to handling or stacking.
The reverse continues the bold design with a standing American bald eagle perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. The arrows symbolize military readiness while the olive branch represents peace. The eagle is rendered in a naturalistic, grounded pose—an artistic contrast to the more stylized heraldic eagles seen on previous designs. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircle the top of the design, while the denomination “FIVE DOLLARS” is engraved along the bottom. Also included is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” a feature reinstated after public outcry over its initial omission in the early 1900s. On an MS61 specimen, the reverse design remains sharp with all lettering bold, though some high-point friction or light chatter may be present under magnification.
The 1915 $5 Indian was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which means it bears no mintmark. Philadelphia-minted Indian Head Half Eagles of this year had a reported mintage of 588,000 coins. While not the rarest date in the series, the 1915 issue is among the later pre-World War I strikes and was produced during a period of growing international tension and domestic reform in the United States. Relatively few of these coins were preserved in Mint State, as gold coinage was primarily used in commerce or melted following the recall of gold coins during the 1930s. Consequently, survivors in Mint State—especially those certified by leading grading services such as PCGS—carry solid premiums and strong collector interest.
Each 1915 $5 Indian coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the standard alloy used for U.S. gold coinage during this era. The coin contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold and has a total weight of 8.359 grams. Measuring 21.6 mm in diameter with a reeded edge, the coin’s size makes it compact yet substantial. Its distinctive incuse design contributes to its durability, as the recessed motifs are less prone to wear than raised devices, although they can be more susceptible to accumulation of dirt or contact friction across the flat surfaces.
The MS61 grade assigned by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) indicates that the coin is in uncirculated condition, with full mint luster and no signs of wear. However, as a lower-end Mint State grade, it may display several small abrasions, light scuffs, or minor bag marks, particularly in the open fields. These marks are acceptable within the standards for the MS61 designation and do not detract significantly from the overall appearance. PCGS encapsulation provides authentication, secure preservation, and assurance of the coin’s condition, making it ideal for long-term collecting or investment purposes.
The 1915 issue is notable as one of the final pre-war dates before U.S. gold coin production would begin to decline due to changes in monetary policy and the nation’s entry into World War I. Within the Indian Head Half Eagle series, the 1915 is considered a better date in higher grades, with relatively fewer surviving Mint State examples compared to issues from 1909 or 1910. MS61 represents an excellent balance between affordability and quality, offering sharp design detail and original luster without the significant price increase seen in MS63 or higher specimens.
Collecting the $5 Indian Head series presents both rewards and challenges, due to the series' relatively short run, artistic uniqueness, and historical background. Many collectors aim to complete the set by date and mintmark, while others pursue individual coins as standout type examples. The 1915 MS61 PCGS-certified coin fits well into both approaches, offering visual appeal, a manageable price point, and guaranteed authenticity from one of the most trusted names in grading. As an early 20th-century U.S. gold issue, it also appeals to those focused on historic American coinage and gold-based wealth preservation.
The incuse design itself is a significant draw. Bela Lyon Pratt’s innovation—recessed relief devices instead of raised ones—was initially controversial but is now regarded as one of the most daring and original design shifts in U.S. coinage history. It makes the $5 Indian and its $2.50 counterpart entirely unique among American gold coins and adds both aesthetic and historical depth. Today, collectors and scholars alike admire the coin for its bold departure from numismatic convention and its expression of early 20th-century artistic reform in U.S. Mint designs.
In summary, the Certified 1915 $5 Gold Indian MS61 PCGS is a compelling piece of numismatic and American history. With its low-mintage legacy, incuse artistry, gold content, and Mint State preservation, it bridges the worlds of investment and collecting. This coin offers an excellent opportunity to own a distinctive and beautifully executed gold coin from a period of American strength and innovation—one that continues to captivate collectors over a century after its minting.