A **1909-S $5 Indian Head Half Eagle** graded **PCGS MS62** is a noteworthy coin for collectors of U.S. gold coins, particularly due to its historical significance and relative rarity. Here's a description of this coin:
### **Obverse (Front):**
- The obverse features a **Native American chief** wearing a **headdress** of feathers, a distinctive design by **Augustus Saint-Gaudens**. The coin's obverse inscription reads "**LIBERTY**" above the head, with **"IN GOD WE TRUST"** to the right.
- The coin also includes the date **1909** and the mintmark **"S"**, located just below the neck, indicating the San Francisco Mint as the place of production.
### **Reverse (Back):**
- The reverse depicts a **bald eagle** in flight, with a **wreath of olive branches** beneath it, symbolizing peace. The reverse also has the inscription **"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"** and **"E PLURIBUS UNUM"** along the rim. The denomination **"FIVE DOLLARS"** is displayed beneath the eagle, with **"S"** marking the San Francisco Mint.
### **PCGS MS62 Grade:**
- **MS62** indicates that the coin is in **Mint State** condition, meaning it has not been circulated but still may show some minor imperfections.
- Coins in **MS62** condition typically exhibit **moderate wear** or **light abrasions** from handling or striking, but overall, they are still relatively sharp and well-detailed.
- In terms of the **1909-S $5**, MS62 is considered a **lower to mid-range** grade in terms of overall quality, and although the coin is still attractive, it might display noticeable marks or light contact abrasions on the surface. These imperfections can detract from its overall visual appeal compared to higher-grade examples, but the coin is still valuable and collectible, especially because of the scarcity of high-quality 1909-S Indian Head Half Eagles.
### **Rarity and Value:**
- The **1909-S** is a **key date** in the Indian Head Half Eagle series, as only **approximately 72,000** coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint, making it one of the **scarcer issues** in the series.
- In **MS62**, the 1909-S is generally worth a significant premium over the more common dates in the series, but the value can fluctuate depending on the current market and demand for this key-date coin.
### Overall Impression:
The **1909-S $5 PCGS MS62** is an excellent example of a desirable collectible for numismatists, especially those focusing on key-date gold coins from the early 20th century. Its historical value, combined with the distinctiveness of the design and its limited mintage, make it a prized possession for collectors.