Indian Head Half Eagle ($5) Melt Value
An Indian Head $5 contains 0.2419 troy oz of pure gold (8.359 g × .900). At $4,147/oz gold, its melt value is about $1,003. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
Indian Head Half Eagle ($5) specifications
| Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure gold | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908–1916, 1929 | .900 (90%) | 8.359 g | 7.523 g (0.2419 oz t) | 21.6 mm | $5 |
Bela Lyon Pratt's design, with the design sunk below the surface (incuse) instead of raised. Struck 1908–1916 and in 1929.
How to identify an Indian Head $5
- The design is sunk into the surface (incuse) instead of raised, so the high points that wear first on other coins are protected.
- The mint mark (D, S or O) is on the reverse, left of the fasces.
- No half eagles were struck from 1917 to 1928; the 1929 is the last US $5 gold coin for circulation.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the Indian Head $5: 8.359 g × .900 = 7.523 g of pure gold. Divide by 31.1035 grams per troy ounce to get 0.2419 oz, then multiply by $4,147 spot: about $1,003.
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Pure gold | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | 0.2419 oz t | $1,003 |
| 5 coins | 1.2094 oz t | $5,016 |
| 10 coins | 2.4187 oz t | $10,031 |
| 20 coins | 4.8375 oz t | $20,063 |
| 50 coins | 12.0937 oz t | $50,157 |
| 100 coins | 24.1873 oz t | $100,314 |
Melt value vs collector value
Melt value is only what the gold in an Indian Head $5 is worth at today's spot price. A coin's market value can be much higher: scarce dates, mint marks and high grades sell to collectors for a premium, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Nu Stack does not estimate collector prices on this page. For a specific coin, check the date and mint mark, the condition (a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, or a local dealer) and recent sales.
Related coins
More: Gold melt value explained · How to sell gold and silver coins · How to track a precious metals stack · Free melt calculator · All coin melt values
Specs: Nu Stack coin database (curated entries and the Numista catalog). Melt values use the gold spot price from the Nu Stack price feed and are estimates of metal content only, not offers to buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in an Indian Head $5?
An Indian Head $5 has 7.523 g (0.2419 troy oz) of pure gold: 8.359 g gross weight at .900 fine.
What is an Indian Head $5 worth in melt value today?
About $1,003 at $4,147/oz gold (October 19, 2026). Melt value moves with the gold spot price; this page updates automatically.
Is an Indian Head $5 worth more than its melt value?
It can be. Scarce dates, mint marks and coins in high grades sell above melt value to collectors, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Check the date, mint mark and condition, or ask a grading service or dealer, for a collector value.