The 1909-O Indian Head Half Eagle (Buy on eBay) is the lowest mintage coin of the series, with 34,200 pieces produced for circulation. Additionally, this is the only issue for this type struck at the New Orleans Mint. These two factors make this an extremely popular coin.
Two major varieties exist, including one with a strong mint mark and another with a weakly impressed mintmark which is doubled. Regardless of the variety, examples are rare in all grades and particularly in mint state. The issue has proven to be a prime rarity in gem condition or finer, with only four pieces graded as such.
The single finest known example which was once part of the Eliasberg Collection is graded PCGS MS-66 and last sold for $646,250 in 2014.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
- Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Weight: 8.359 grams
- Diameter: 21.6 mm
- Edge: Reeded
