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The Quarter Eagle denomination of the early 20th century Gold Indian design is by far the most popular among collectors. Just like the Indian Half Eagles though, they have that unique characteristic of raised fields and sunken in devices. This makes these coins stick out from mostly any other American numismatic series but also makes grading extremely difficult since the fields wear first. Theodore Roosevelt famously hired Augustus Saint-Gaudens to improve the beauty of the double eagle but the smaller denomination gold coinage designed by Bela Lyon Pratt was not widely accepted. The odd recessed design and replacement of lady liberty with an "Indian" was looked upon very negatively. A century or so later these coins are now highly prized and accepted for these same reasons. It is a short series as there were gaps in production plus the permanent stoppage for all gold coins in 1933. That along with a range of dates from very common to super key makes this a fun series to collect. The modern drawbacks for the series are the fact that they are small and have raised fields so grading ability and diagnostic knowledge of each issue is a necessity. No American coin is more difficult to grade since the devices can be pristine but if there is wear on in the fields the value and grade drops quickly. It does create a fine opportunity though for those who develop a keen eye for these coins as they automatically catapult themselves to the forefront of this numismatic sector. More on the unique design is how this coin was the first depiction of American Indians to appear as they actually looked. The even more famous and collectible Indian Head Cents just displayed lady liberty dressed as a native woman. Just as much as any coin especially gold ones these coins are heavily counterfeited and altered in which you must be very careful buying them raw. Lookout for added mintmarks and pay close attention on the Indian’s neck between the hair and feathers. Any odd depressions or markings in this area is a tell tale sign. Overall it is a very desirable, short and challenging series.
Obverse Description
The obverse features the portrait of a Native American chieftain in formal headdress struck incuse with the words LIBERTY at the top and the date at the bottom. 13 stars frame the left and right sides: 6 at left and 7 on the right.
Reverse Description
The traditional American eagle struck incuse in the center with the words, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at top, E PLURIBUS UNUM left of the eagle, and IN GOD WE TRUST to the right of the eagle. The denomination 2 1/2 DOLLARS struck below the eagle.
Book Reference
Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt. Weight: 4.18 grams. Composition: .900 gold, .100 copper (net weight .12094 oz. pure gold). Diameter: 18 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver.
Key to Collecting: Seeking to complete the gold series, President Roosevelt approved the Indian Head design created by Bela Lyon Pratt, a former student of Augustus SaintGaudens. Roosevelt liked it immediately. Pratt adapted the standing eagle motif used on Saint-Gaudens’s 1907 $10. As a matter of convenience, the Mint decided to use the same basic motifs for the $2.50, although this was not Pratt’s original commission.
When news of the coins was published in 1908 it took the numismatic community by surprise. Collectors and dealers were virtually unanimous in condemning the designs, which seemed to fall far short of the highly acclaimed Saint-Gaudens $10 and $20 issued in the previous year. As might be expected, only a few numismatists collected the series. Years later, when they became popular there were few choice pieces around, this being especially true of those dated 1909 to 1915.
Circulated coins are plentiful in EF and AU grades, often with luster in the recessed areas.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Striking varies. Look for weakness on the high parts of the Indian’s bonnet and in the feather details in the headdress. On the reverse, check the feathers on the highest area of the wing. Some pieces struck from worn dies are apt to have grainy or granular fields, this being more true of dates in the 1920’s than for earlier issues.
Proof Coins: Sand Blast Proofs were made in 1908 and 1911 to 1915, while Satin Finish Proofs were made of 1909 and 1910. When seen, these are usually in higher Proof grades, 64 and above.
Catalog Information
GSID:
72369
Designer:
Bella Lyon Pratt
Obverse Designer:
Bela Lyon Pratt
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, [Date]
Reverse Designer:
Beyla Lyon Pratt
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2 1/2 DOLLARS
Fineness:
0.9
Weight (gr):
4.18 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1344 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.121 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
18
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Variety:
1908-1929
Coin Date:
Indian Gold Quarter Eagle
Denomination:
$2 1/2
Designation:
MS
Coinage Type:
Gold Quarter Eagle
Coinage Years:
1908-1929
Composition:
90% gold; 10% silver & copper
PCGS #:
7938
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Coin Value History
Indian Gold Quarter Eagle $2 1/2 1908-1929 MS [Type]
Value By Grade
Indian Gold Quarter Eagle $2 1/2 1908-1929 MS [Type]
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS67 |
|
$67,000 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $54,000 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
1908 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $56,000
1909 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $19,500
1910 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $35,000
1911 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $45,000
1911-D $2 1/2 Strong D MS
Worth: $2,250 – $222,000
1912 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $32,000
1913 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $30,000
1914 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $192,000
1914-D $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $100,000
1915 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $30,000
1925-D $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $58,500
1926 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $13,200
1927 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $19,000
1928 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $21,000
1929 $2 1/2 MS
Worth: $589 – $45,000
1914 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
$1,580
1914 $2 1/2 AU55 PCGS. CDN: $765.77 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU55. Mintage 240,000. ...
$732
1913 $2 1/2 AU58 PCGS. Ex: Rive d'Or Collection. CDN: $752.77 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU58. Mintage 722,000. ...
$763
1929 $2 1/2 MS64+ NGC. CDN: $897.77 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 532,000. ...
$1,007
1928 $2 1/2 MS63 PCGS. CDN: $720.04 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS63. Mintage 416,000. ...
$763
1926 $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. CDN: $1,320 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 446,000. ...
$1,952
1910 $2 1/2 MS61 NGC. CDN: $681.86 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS61. Mintage 492,000....
$702
1911-D $2 1/2 AU53 PCGS. ...
$4,636
1909 $2 1/2 MS66 NGC. ...
$13,420
1911 $2 1/2 -- Scratched -- ANACS Details. AU58 Details. Mintage 704,000....
$641
1911-D $2 1/2 Weak D -- Cleaned -- CACG. VF Details....
$960
1926 $2 1/2 MS60 PCGS. Mintage 446,000. ...
$552
1911-D $2 1/2 XF45 PCGS....
$4,440
1914-D $2 1/2 MS67 NGC....
$63,000
1911-D $2 1/2 Weak D VF35 PCGS. PCGS Population: (12/206). NGC Census: (0/274). CDN: $1,250 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VF35. ...
$1,620
1911-D $2 1/2 XF40 PCGS....
$3,000
1929 $2 1/2 Genuine NGC. NGC Census: (0/21921). PCGS Population: (0/15956). Mintage 532,000....
$430
1911-D $2 1/2 Weak D VF30 PCGS. PCGS Population: (8/204). NGC Census: (0/252). VF30. ...
$1,140
1910 $2 1/2 PCGS Poor-01
$600
1915 $2 1/2 PCGS XF Details (Cleaned)
$375
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8/8/2024
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7/25/2024
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