The US 1929 Half Eagle $5, designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, featured an incuse design, which was unique at the time. Struck in 90% gold, it represented the nation’s commitment to a gold-backed currency amid economic stability. The coin circulated widely during the Roaring Twenties, a period of prosperity and industrial growth.
In 1929, the Great Depression began, influencing a shift in economic policies. The US 1929 Half Eagle $5 symbolized financial security as gold remained a trusted asset. Pratt’s innovative incuse design set the coin apart, reflecting modernity in a turbulent economic period. Gold’s continued use reinforced the coin’s importance as a stable store of value.