1908 $5 Indian MS(PCGS#8510)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3136

Grade

MS65+

Price

9,600

Lot Description

The Philadelphia Mint's premier issue of sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt's Indian half eagle, the 1908 was produced to the extent of 577,845 pieces for circulation, along with 167 Sand Blast Proofs for sale to collectors. As interesting as the coin may have been to certain inner circles at the Mint, the motif was roundly detested, and many negative letters were printed in <em>The Numismatist</em> concerning it. As a result, very few collectors saved such pieces. It was not until generations later that they became popular, by which time the vast majority of high grade pieces had long since disappeared.<p>Today, the 1908 is the most often encountered Indian half eagle in Gem Mint State, but becomes considerably scarce in MS-65+ and above. The present example in is a significant condition rarity and an important find worthy of the strongest bids.