1911 $2.50 Indian PCGS MS65 CAC

The 1911 $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle is one of the most innovative and visually distinctive gold coins in American history. Struck during the early years of the 20th century, this issue carries both artistic significance and numismatic rarity, making it a cornerstone piece for advanced collectors of U.S. gold. Certified MS65 by PCGS and further distinguished by the CAC approval, this coin stands at the intersection of history, artistry, and high-quality preservation.

The design of the Indian Quarter Eagle, introduced in 1908, marked a complete departure from anything seen in U.S. coinage before. Created by Bela Lyon Pratt, the design features a bold incuse relief, meaning the images are recessed into the surface of the coin rather than raised above it. On the obverse, Pratt portrayed a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress, a proud and dignified image that represented strength and identity. Surrounding the portrait are thirteen stars, the word LIBERTY, and the date 1911 at the bottom. The reverse shows a majestic eagle perched on a bundle of arrows, intertwined with an olive branch to symbolize both military readiness and peace. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination, and the national mottos E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST.

At the time of release, the design caused significant controversy. Critics claimed that the incuse style would cause coins to wear more quickly, accumulate dirt, or become difficult to stack. Others simply disliked the unconventional appearance. Yet over time, collectors and historians have come to appreciate Pratt’s work as one of the boldest innovations in U.S. coinage, a piece that pushed artistic boundaries while capturing the spirit of the Roosevelt-era renaissance in American coinage.

The 1911 issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 704,000 pieces. While this was a healthy production run compared to other years in the series, survival in Gem Mint State condition is scarce. Most examples saw some degree of circulation or were later melted following the government’s 1933 recall of gold coins. As a result, only a fraction of the original mintage exists today, and very few reach the MS65 level with CAC approval.

The present example stands out for its superb preservation. Graded MS65 by PCGS, it offers sharp detail, radiant luster, and minimal marks, qualities that define a Gem Mint State coin. The surfaces are exceptionally clean for the series, as the incuse design tends to magnify any imperfections. The CAC endorsement further confirms its superior quality within the grade, making this piece one of the most attractive 1911 Quarter Eagles available to the market.

From an investment standpoint, the 1911 $2.50 Indian combines intrinsic gold value with powerful numismatic appeal. Containing nearly one-eighth of an ounce of gold, it carries the tangible wealth of its metal content, but its true strength lies in its scarcity and demand among collectors. The Indian Quarter Eagle series is popular not only with type collectors but also with those assembling complete runs, and high-grade examples such as this remain in strong demand. Coins that are both PCGS-certified and CAC-approved occupy the upper tier of desirability and frequently command premiums when they appear at auction or on the open market.

Owning a 1911 $2.50 Indian PCGS MS65 CAC is more than holding a piece of precious metal—it is preserving a legacy of American artistry and innovation. Its incuse design continues to capture the imagination of collectors over a century after its release, while its condition and CAC approval make it a trophy coin that will anchor any collection of pre-1933 U.S. gold. Whether valued as a historic relic, a masterful work of design, or a sound investment, this coin represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a Gem-quality example of one of America’s most distinctive gold issues.