The Rarity of the 1929 Half Eagle
It is not widely recognized that the 1929 half eagle is much scarcer than the key 1909-O overall, especially in circulated grades. Indian Head half eagles ($5 gold coins) were minted from 1908 to 1916 and again in 1929.
When discussing Indian Head half eagles, the focus is often on the 1909-O, which is considered the most famous of all. It has garnered significant attention from collectors and dealers over the years, creating a high demand for this specific date. However, the 1929 half eagle, while scarcer, is often overlooked in favor of the 1909-O.
Understanding the Rarity
Common Indian Head half eagles, such as the 1909-D and the 1911, are easy to acquire and have high populations in comparison to the 1909-O and the 1929. The 1929 half eagle, with its population of 392 in PCGS and 234 in NGC, stands out as a scarcer date.
Furthermore, when compared to the 1909-O, which has survivors spread across a wider grade range, the 1929s are predominantly bunched in the MS63 to MS64 range, making them even more elusive to collectors. The demand for higher grades has led to many coins being cracked out and resubmitted in hopes of achieving a better grade.
Expert Advice
Before purchasing a 1929 half eagle, seeking advice from an expert is recommended, especially considering the potential scarcity and value of these coins. The estimated number of existing 1929 half eagles falls between 480 and 635, with fewer than 700 certified by PCGS and NGC in total.
Market Insights
Despite their rarity, 1929 half eagles have not experienced the same surge in value as other better date gold coins in recent years. Auction results from previous years demonstrate that market levels for 1929 half eagles have remained relatively stable, indicating a consistent demand for these coins.