1908 (S) Indian Head Half Eagle
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$192,000 MS68 09-17-2020 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1908 (S) Indian Head Half Eagle is a Gold Half Eagle produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Indian Head Half Eagles 1908-1929 series. The U.S. Mint produced 82,000 examples. The obverse features a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress, designed in incuse (sunken) relief — a revolutionary departure from traditional raised relief coinage, while the reverse displays a standing eagle on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch, in incuse (sunken) relief. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8512. The Indian Head Half Eagle shares the groundbreaking incuse design of the Quarter Eagle, part of Theodore Roosevelt's initiative to elevate American coin artistry. The 1909-O (mintage 34,200) is the key date and the only New Orleans Mint issue. High-grade examples are appreciated for the sharp incuse detail that lower-grade coins cannot match.
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