GOLD COIN FIELD GUIDE
Indian Head $2.50
Its recessed design resembles the Indian $5, so confirm the denomination first. Mintmarks, originality, and sharpness drive collector interest.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1908–1915; 1925–1929
- Composition
- 90% gold
- Standard gross weight
- 4.18 g
- Fine gold per coin
- 0.12094 troy oz
- Face value
- $2.50
Read the denomination on the recessed design
The incuse Indian design is used on both the $2.50 and $5 denominations. A tightly cropped portrait is not enough to choose the correct gold-content profile.
On 1911-D, weak and strong mintmark descriptions need careful attribution. A blurry photograph does not establish a weak-mintmark variety or authenticate a scarce date.
Where to look. Check 2½ DOLLARS on the reverse. On a 1911-D, examine the D carefully; weak and strong varieties exist, and added mintmarks are known.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
Better date. A date or issue that merits its own comparison, not an automatic high-value finding.
- Key date
1911-D
The series key. Strong-D and weak-D attributions require close inspection and authentication.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Better date
1914
A lower-mintage Philadelphia issue; condition and market demand determine its premium.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.12094 fine troy ounces of gold per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce gold quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.