5 Dollar Gold Coin

5 dollar gold coins were minted in production all the way back to 1795. These coins are a part of our national heritage.

The ones commonly seen by most people, but, are the Liberty Head version produced from 1839 to 1908 and the Indian Head version produced from 1908 to 1929. The Indian head design is unique because most of the design is sunk below the surface of the coin, and this is called an incuse design. The incuse design is unique in American coinage.

Indian head coins are valued at around $250 each, and most of these dates are considered common, at least for that price range.

The 1929 is the rarest date, bar none, and it goes for $7,500 in any condition. These coins were produced from 1795 to 1929, and they had a hugely long production run. These coins are among the oldest gold coins in existence. They’ve changed designs any era over the years. Oftentimes, they were melted down because their gold value was more than their face. In 1834, they were produced with far less gold content, and their design subsequently changed. In addition, the motto over the eagle’s head and liberty’s cap were both nixed. This design, also called the Classic Head, was in use in anticipation of 5 years later in 1839. The motto was then replaced.

It wasn’t in anticipation of 1908 that President Roosevelt suggested that the esteemed sculptor, Bela Lyon Pratt, make new designs for the U.S. coins. This sculptor was the first to introduce the Indian Head design, and it featured the bust of an Indian chief on one side and an eagle with wings folded over on the other side. This design was successful in anticipation of it stopped production in 1929. This wasn’t anything to do with the gold coin itself, but, it was more a moratorium on the issuance, transfer, and possession of gold coins whatsoever.

The Indian Head design features a very serious looking Indian chief with a feathered headdress that extends down his back. Stars encircle his visage, and he looks rather stolid in the picture. He has a chin that juts out, a hooked nose, and high cheekbones. This design is iconic, and many people remember it when they first see it. The image is sunk into the coin rather than sitting atop it, and this is unusual for coin designs in general. But, this design worked, and many people loved it.