The US 1915 Half Eagle $5 coin, designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, was issued during a period of pre-World War I economic prosperity. The coins design, featuring a Native American and an eagle, symbolized both national pride and the nations growing global influence. Politically, the U.S. was still neutral but had economic interests that would soon be impacted by the war.
The 1915 Half Eagle $5 coins gold content was a reflection of the U.S. reliance on gold-backed currency, a hallmark of American economic strength. Pratts design, with its innovative incused relief, represented a departure from traditional coin designs. The coin’s gold metal emphasized the nation’s stability during a time of political and economic tension.