1911 $5 Indian Head AU58 PCGS

When Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States one of his first goals was to “beautify” the nation’s coinage. Thus, in 1908 everything began rapidly changing. While looking for a sculptor to design these coins, Roosevelt's good friend, Dr. William Sturgis Bigelow, recommended Bela Lyon Pratt who had once been a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Although the $5 Indian Head is much smaller and less spectacular than the coins of his mentor, Pratt's coins are obviously more innovative and daring.

The Indian Head $5 Gold Coin was released in 1908 to replace the Liberty Head design that appeared for decades. The new Indian Head design was the first of its kind with the design, lettering, and other devices sunken into the surface of the coin instead of raised above.

One of the the most difficult tasks when it comes to securing coins from the early 1900's is finding a piece that has remained in decent condition through its 100+ year history. While well-preserved pieces do exist, they can be  challenging to find - and even more seldom found in decent condition.