Indian Head Gold Coins

Indian Head Gold Coins

Learn about the Indian Head Gold Coins' legacy—a representation of American art, history, and worth. We at BOLD Precious Metals are pleased to present a reliable assortment of these pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. These coins provide a chance to own gold with historical relevance and long-term worth whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor.

What Are Indian Head Gold Coins?

Issued by the U.S. Mint from 1907 to 1933 during a crucial time in American coinage revolution, Indian Head gold coins Created by renowned sculptors like Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Bela Lyon Pratt, these coins were a part of President Theodore Roosevelt's effort to produce attractive and meaningful currency. Many Indian Head coins were melted down following President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102 in 1933, which restricted gold ownership.

The coins show powerful, distinctive designs:

• On the obverse of the $10 Indian Head Gold Eagle, Liberty wears a Native American headdress; on the reverse is a mighty eagle.
• Along with the $2.50 coin, the 5 dollar Indian Head gold coin has a recessed (incuse) design—engraved below the surface—depicting a Native American profile and a perched eagle.

The artwork on these coins features a Native American chief and symbolizes America's cultural heritage. These were the only U.S. coins to feature this incuse pattern first time around.

Denominations & Key Features

Indian Head gold coins come in several denominations:

Denomination	Years Issued	Gold Content	Total Weight	Diameter
$10 Eagle	1907–1933	0.48375 oz	16.718 g	27 mm
$5 Half Eagle	1908–1929	0.24187 oz	8.359 g	21.6 mm
$2.50 Quarter	1908–1929	0.12094 oz	4.18 g	18 mm

All coins were minted with .900 fine gold (90% gold, 10% copper), giving them a distinct warm color and added durability.

Why Collect Indian Head Coins?

Collectors and investors value these coins, including the sought-after Indian series gold coins, for several reasons:

• Historical Significance: Minted before the 1933 Gold Recall, many were melted, making surviving examples, like the half eagle ($5) and quarter eagle ($2.50), rare and valuable pieces of American numismatic history.
• Unique Design: Still unparalleled in American coin design is the incuse pattern of the $5 and $2.50 coins, often known as Indian Head quarter eagles and half eagles. This runs against later initiatives to transform American gold coinage.
• Gold investment: Like other Indian gold coins, gold investment offers inherent bullion worth as well as great collector appeal for each coin and gold prices.

Searching for Indian Head coins for sale means you're acquiring a physical piece of U.S. history rather than just purchasing gold.

$10 Indian Head Gold Coin: A Bold Vision

Augustus Saint-Gaudens conceived the $10 Indian Head Gold Eagle, first struck in 1907. Lady Liberty in a feathered headdress, a mix of classical style with Native American symbolism, appears on the obverse. Strength and tranquility are symbolized by the olive branch and arrows on the reverse, which show a standing eagle.

Two main forms exist:

• No Motto (1907–1908): These coins lack "IN GOD WE TRUST."
• Later numbers featured the slogan on the reverse using Motto (1908–1933).

This coin is large, beautifully detailed, and one of the most visually striking United States coins ever made.

The $5 (half eagle) and $2.50 (Quarter eagle) Indian Head Gold Coins

Bela Lyon Pratt, Saint-Gaudens' former student, designed the 5 dollar indian head gold coin (also called the Half Eagle) and the $2.50 Indian Head Quarter Eagle. On the front of these coins, you'll see a Native American man wearing a feathered headdress, and on the back, a standing eagle holding arrows and an olive branch.

What makes Pratt's designs truly special is their "incuse relief." This means the images and letters are actually sunken into the coin's surface, rather than sticking out like on most coins. This was a completely new idea for U.S. gold coins, and it had never been done before or since for American gold currency.1

This unique design wasn't without its critics. During the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, some people worried that the sunken areas could collect dirt, germs, and bacteria, making the coins unsanitary. While these health concerns were unfounded, this historical detail adds another layer to the story of these remarkable coins. The incuse design not only makes the 5 dollar indian head gold coin and its $2.50 counterpart visually distinct but also contributes to their unique history and appeal to collectors.

Buying Tips and What to Look For

When browsing Indian Head coins for sale, including the quarter eagle, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Grading Matters: Coin grade greatly affects price. Uncirculated or MS (Mint State) coins are more valuable.
• Key Dates: Some mint years are rarer than others. Coins like the 1909-S or 1911-D command higher prices.
• Certification: Look for coins certified by PCGS or NGC. These grading services verify authenticity and condition.

BOLD Precious Metals lists condition, mint mark, and certification details clearly, so you know exactly what you're buying.

Investment Potential of Indian Head Gold Coins

Indian Head coins combine the benefits of gold investing with historical and numismatic value. They are an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio beyond modern bullion.

• Fixed Supply: Unlike modern coins, no new Indian Heads are minted.
• Gold Value: Each coin’s weight in gold gives it lasting intrinsic value.
• Premium Growth: Scarcity and collector demand mean prices often rise faster than spot gold.

While pre-1933 gold coins are generally not IRA eligible, they still offer long-term stability in uncertain markets.

Why Choose BOLD Precious Metals?

We go beyond simply offering coins for sale. Our commitment to education, transparency, and fair pricing sets us apart:

• Detailed product listings with specs, images, and certifications
• Secure, insured shipping with discreet packaging
• U.S.-based support team available to answer questions

Our handpicked selection ensures you receive only authentic and properly graded Indian Head gold coins.

Start Your Collection Today

Browse our live inventory of Indian Head coins for sale, including the 5 dollar Indian Head gold coin and the $10 Indian Head gold coin. Each piece is backed by our quality guarantee, fast shipping, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Own a piece of American history today—secure your Indian Head gold coin from BOLD Precious Metals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these coins legal tender?

Yes, but their face value ($5, $10) is far below their actual gold and collectible value.

Can I use these coins in my IRA?

No. Pre-1933 gold coins like Indian Heads do not qualify for most self-directed IRAs.

What’s better—$5 or $10 Indian Head coins?

Both have their strengths. $5 coins are more affordable and collectible, while $10 coins offer more gold content and bold design.