1911 $5 Half Eagle Gold Coin (Or So I Think) But What Kind?

The Indian series has been hot lately at auctions. Keep it, enjoy it, and start this awesome hobby! You have only to gain!

Sorry, MortSalt - we're waiting for my fruit-fly attention span to come back around this direction. It's not difficult for me to get spread thinner than hammered gold.

The trouble with New York City with regard to your needs is, many of the local dealers are high-end guys who - not necessarily an insult to them - may not want to be bothered with relatively-common gold pieces as yours. NYC is the bigtime, and is where the larger numismatic dogs have presence. As we speak, and for the last few minutes, I've been going over the list of PGCS Authorized Dealers in the area. You can find this list yourself here (use a Zip Code and radius):

http://www.pcgs.com/Dealers/Default.aspx

I recognize many of the names which appear. What I do not know - and I will suggest you create a bespoke thread for in the Main Coin Forum, is which of them will be interested in working with you. The reason I suggest a new thread is that few of those who would know the answer are likely to read this one. Title it something like "Suggested dealers for PCGS/NGC submissions in New York City," and explain that you've a single (relatively) low value coin to piggyback onto a dealer's submission. Note the coin itself, as some dealers specialize. Aside making you spend an afternoon on the phone calling these people, I think this is the best I can personally do for you.