1907 $5

1908-D $5

1908 $5 Indian (Regular Strike)

Series: Indian Head $5 1908-1929

PCGS MS67+

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PCGS MS67

PCGS MS66+

PCGS #:: 8510

Designer:: Bela Lyon Pratt

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.60 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 577,845

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $67,563 • MS67 • 10-18-2012 • Heritage Auctions

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Major Varieties

1908 $5 Indian

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	26,666	R-2.7	19 / 24 TIE	19 / 24 TIE
60 or Better	17,500	R-2.8	20 / 24	20 / 24
65 or Better	500	R-6.0	24 / 24	24 / 24

Survival Estimate
All Grades	26,666
60 or Better	17,500
65 or Better	500

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-2.7
60 or Better	R-2.8
65 or Better	R-6.0

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	19 / 24 TIE
60 or Better	20 / 24
65 or Better	24 / 24

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	19 / 24 TIE
60 or Better	20 / 24
65 or Better	24 / 24

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS67+ PCGS grade	D.L. Hansen Collection
2	MS67 PCGS grade	Heritage 10/2012:5988, $67,563 - Heritage 1/2015:4305, $51,700
2	MS67 PCGS grade
2	MS67 estimated grade
5	MS66+ PCGS grade
5	MS66+ PCGS grade
7	MS66 PCGS grade
7	MS66 PCGS grade
7	MS66 PCGS grade
7	MS66 PCGS grade

#1 MS67+ PCGS grade

D.L. Hansen Collection

#2 MS67 PCGS grade

Heritage 10/2012:5988, $67,563 - Heritage 1/2015:4305, $51,700

#2 MS67 PCGS grade

#2 MS67 estimated grade

#5 MS66+ PCGS grade

#7 MS66 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

Don't be fooled by the relatively high mintage of this date -- it is a true condition-rarity in top grades. David Akers' analysis of the 1908 $5 Indian appears to have withstood the test of time, including the rarity of "nearly perfect" examples. His "some" back then translates to "extremely rare" today, as the number of MS67 examples certified by PCGS is exactly two, with none finer. From 1988 to 2012, only one MS67 had been certified by PCGS. NGC reports a single MS68, but that one has yet to appear at auction.

David Akers (1975/88): The 1908 is the second most common issue of the series after the 1909-D and is by far the easiest to locate in gem condition. Finding an MS-63 or lower grade example is quite easy and even MS-64 specimens are encountered with some regularity. In MS-65, the 1908 is very scarce, if not rare, but there always seems to be a few on the market at any given time. Some really superb, nearly perfect examples of this date also exist, probably saved as mementos of the first year of issue.

The typical 1908 is well struck with very good to excellent lustre and satiny rather than frosty surfaces. (There are many specimens of the "soft" frosty type as well, however.) Color varies widely from rich greenish gold to bright yellow gold to orange and greenish gold.