Although Indian Head Gold Coins haven’t been released since 1929, they are still very popular coins amongst today’s collectors. Their unique design and gold content make them interesting coins from the United States Mint. Continue reading to learn more about this coin and its history.
DESIGN
Whether it is a half or quarter Indian Head Gold coin, the front design always shows the portrait of a Native American man wearing a headdress. Below his portrait is the date the coin was minted. This design is unique because it is sunken into the coin instead of raised above like other coins. This is a unique part of the Indian Head coin.
Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
On the back of the Indian Head coin, a Bald Eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Along with the eagle, inscribed are the words “In God We Trust,” along with the coin’s value. Like the front design, the eagle is sunken into the coin instead of raised above.
Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
HISTORY
The half and quarter Indian Head Coins were requested by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. A sculptor from Boston named Bela Lyon Pratt began designing the coin, and the Indian Head gold coins began production.
Up until the 1920s, these coins were produced on a regular basis. However, in 1933, the production of all gold coins in the United States was halted due to the Great Depression. Today, the half and quarter Indian Head gold coins are considered highly valuable and great collector’s items.
FACTS
Country
United States of America
Mint
U.S. Mint
Metal
0.900 pure gold
Weight
Half Indian Head Coin – 8.359 grams
Quarter Indian Head Coin – 4.18 grams
Diameter
Half Indian Head Coin – 21.6 millimeters
Quarter Indian Head Coin – 18 millimeters
Thickness
Half Indian Head Coin – 1.4 millimeters
Quarter Indian Head Coin – 1.14 millimeters
Date Issued
Half Indian Head Coin – 1908-1916, 1929
Quarter Indian Head Coin – 1908-1915, 1925-1929
Face Value
Half Indian Head Coin – $5.00
Quarter Indian Head Coin – $2.50