CGG

The $5 Indian Head contains approximately one quarter ounce of gold and was minted for approximately 10 years between 1908 and 1929. Historically, every other U.S. coin had its features raised above a flat surface. Only the $5 and $2.50 Indian Head coins feature the recessed "incuse" design, which was at first resisted by the general public because of the erroneous belief that the so-called sunken design would be a breeding ground for disease.

Also know as a "Pratt" coin after its designer, numismatists also disliked the sunken-in appearance of the images and were not interested in saving them for their collections. Therefore relatively few exist in higher grades.

The obverse features an Indian Chief in full-feather headdress, the first true American Indian to ever appear on United States coinage. Previously, Caucasians dressed as American Indians were used. His headband is inscribed with the word 'LIBERTY' with 13 stars and the minting date encircling him.

The reverse features a proud bald eagle standing among olive branches with the words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' arcing around the top. The motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is seen to the right of the eagle, 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' to the left. The denomination 'FIVE DOLLARS' arcs around the bottom.