The 1909‑O Indian Half Eagle is a coin of endings and rarity. Struck in the final year of the New Orleans Mint’s operations, it is the only Indian Head half eagle ever produced at that branch. With a mintage of just 34,200, it stands as the rarest issue of the series. Bela Lyon Pratt’s incuse design—sunken into the surface rather than raised—was a bold experiment in American coinage, and this example shows the design at its best, with sharp feather detail and unusually strong eagle’s wing definition.

This specimen, graded PCGS MS64 (certification no. 49824964), is among the finest known. Only eight coins have been certified at this level, with just five finer. Its golden luster flows evenly across the surfaces, and the fields are remarkably free of the abrasions that so often plague this issue. The recessed design, once criticized for its unconventional appearance, here reveals a depth and clarity that collectors now celebrate as one of the most distinctive artistic departures in U.S. coinage.

Auction appearances at this grade are infrequent, and when they occur, they command attention. On September 12, 2024, this very coin realized $216,000 in a Heritage Auctions sale at the Long Beach Expo, underscoring its stature as one of the most desirable survivors of the date. Comparable MS63 examples have sold for significantly less, illustrating the steep premium collectors are willing to pay for condition rarity at this level.

The historical context of this issue adds further weight to its appeal. The New Orleans Mint, which had struck coins since 1838, was closing its doors in 1909. This half eagle, therefore, is not just a rare branch‑mint gold coin—it is a farewell in gold, the last echo of a mint that had served the South for over seventy years. For collectors who value the narrative of America’s coinage history, the 1909‑O is a tangible reminder of a vanished institution.

Its provenance adds distinction as well. Once part of the Midwestern Cabinet, it now resides in the PentaMint Collection, a cabinet devoted to the five historic American mints that no longer operate: Charlotte, New Orleans, Dahlonega, Carson City, and Bechtler. Within that framework, this coin represents the swan song of New Orleans, a branch mint whose gold issues have long captivated collectors. The inclusion of the certification number in this record ties the narrative directly to this specimen, affirming its individuality and honoring the pride of its current steward.

As both the rarest Indian Head half eagle and the final gold issue of the New Orleans Mint, this coin embodies a convergence of artistry, scarcity, and legacy. Its grade, certification, auction record, and distinguished place in the PentaMint Collection elevate it beyond mere rarity. It stands as a proud highlight of this portfolio—an ambassador for the series and a testament to the enduring allure of America’s branch‑mint coinage.