1909 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle Fine Art Print

The 1909 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle Fine Art Print

Imagine displaying a numismatic portrait that captures the bold originality of one of the most distinctive and controversial coins ever minted in the United States, where design meets defiance, and tradition yields to innovation.

Created by numismatic artist Charles Herren, this museum-quality fine art print brings to life the 1909 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle, a coin that challenged norms with its radical sunken design and powerful symbolism. 

Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, it remains one of the few U.S. coins ever struck with an incuse design, where the images and inscriptions are carved below the surface rather than raised above it.

With its clean lines, strong composition, and unusual tactile quality, the 1909 Indian Head Half Eagle is not just a coin; it’s an artistic milestone and a fascinating conversation piece.

This coin art portrait honors Bela Lyon Pratt's groundbreaking design with exceptional detail and visual impact.

Why You’ll Love This Fine Art Print

Celebrate a Design That Broke the Mold: The 1909 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle was part of a bold new coinage series introduced just one year earlier. Its recessed design resisted wear better than traditional raised reliefs, but it also stirred controversy among the public and even some medical professionals who feared the grooves could harbor germs. Today, this innovative coin is admired for its aesthetic strength and historical daring.

Authentic Historical Tribute: Designed by Harvard-trained sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, the coin features a left-facing Native American chief in full headdress, a departure from the usual Greco-Roman profiles of Liberty. The reverse showcases a perched bald eagle, a national symbol rendered in an assertive, grounded pose. These images reflect strength, dignity, and a bold departure from conventional coin art of the day.

Museum-Quality Craftsmanship: Printed with archival inks on thick, enhanced matte archival paper, this 14 x 11-inch numismatic portrait captures every subtle detail of Pratt’s vision. From the clean incuse lines to the commanding silhouette, this artwork evokes the bold craftsmanship of early 20th-century minting.

Striking Visual Design: Set against a rich black background, the coin's warm gold tones and geometric contours stand out in dramatic contrast. It’s a sophisticated showpiece that brings historic American design into any home, office, or collector’s gallery. Frame is not included.

Signed & Certified: Each 14 x 11-inch coin portrait is hand-signed by Charles Herren and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring you own a verified collector’s piece inspired by one of the most original coins in U.S. history.

Auction Highlight: In July 2006, a 1909 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle graded MS-66 sold at auction for $51,750, underscoring the coin’s enduring value and elite collector demand. This distinctive artwork lets you celebrate that legacy in your own space, without the 5-figure price tag.

This 1909 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle coin portrait is more than an artistic rendering; it’s a tribute to the fearless creativity that reshaped American coinage and left a lasting impression on numismatic history.

Limited availability. Order yours today before this bold classic disappears.

Please note: Frame not included. FREE SHIPPING in the USA!