Indian Head Coin Replica Appraisal

Miniature Gold Indian Head Coin Replica (1914 Design)

This item is a miniature numismatic replica based on the United States Indian Head gold coin design originally created by Bela Lyon Pratt. The miniature is housed in a standard clear plastic and white cardboard coin flip, which is marked with handwritten notations reading 'Mini $5.00 Gold Indian' and the date '1914'. The piece itself is a small, circular yellow-gold colored token. It features a left-facing profile of a Native American chieftain wearing a full feathered war bonnet, surrounded by thirteen stars and the word 'LIBERTY' along the top edge. The bottom presents the date '1914'. Unlike the authentic US Minted coins which utilized an incuse (sunken) design, this miniature appears to have raised relief, which is a common characteristic of novelty or commemorative replicas. The coin is significantly smaller than a standard five-dollar gold half-eagle, appearing to be approximately 10mm in diameter. The craftsmanship shows a simplified version of the original artwork, losing some of the fine detail found in full-scale currency. The condition of the coin through the plastic appears bright with minimal surface oxidation, though the cardboard holder shows typical age-related yellowing and staple markings. These miniatures are often sold as 'tiny' gold commemoratives and are frequently made of 8k to 14k gold, or in some cases, gold-plated base metal.