$62,500.00 USD
– SOLDThe Indian Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50 gold piece) was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt and first introduced in 1908. This coin, along with the $5 Indian Head Half Eagle, broke from traditional U.S. coin designs by featuring an incuse (sunken) design, meaning the details were carved into the coin rather than raised.
By 1912, the U.S. was experiencing economic growth and was still operating under the gold standard, meaning gold coins were an integral part of commerce. However, proof gold coins were not widely collected at the time, resulting in low mintages and limited survival rates.
The matte proof finish, used from 1908 to 1915, was inspired by European minting techniques and gave the coin a unique, sandblasted texture rather than the traditional mirror-like proof surfaces. This made the coins less appealing to contemporary collectors, contributing to their rarity today.
Features a detailed portrait of a Native American chief wearing a traditional headdress, symbolizing strength and heritage.
The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above the portrait.
Thirteen stars surround the design, representing the original American colonies.
The year 1912 is displayed below the portrait.
Depicts a majestic eagle standing on a bundle of arrows, with an olive branch beneath, symbolizing the balance between military readiness and peace.
Inscribed with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and "IN GOD WE TRUST".
The denomination "2 ½ DOLLARS" appears at the bottom.