1912 $2.50 Indian PCGS MS64

The 1912 $2.50 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle, certified PCGS MS64, is a beautiful representation of early 20th-century American coinage and one of the standout pieces from the popular Indian Head series. Struck in Philadelphia, this coin offers both exceptional condition and historical significance, making it an ideal addition to any collection of vintage U.S. gold.

Designed by famed sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle was first issued in 1908 and continued through 1929, skipping only a few years. What makes the design so distinctive is its incuse relief, where the design is recessed below the coin’s surface rather than raised. This innovative technique was a bold departure from traditional coinage and remains unique among U.S. circulating gold issues.

The obverse features a left-facing Native American chief wearing a full headdress with LIBERTY inscribed above and thirteen stars surrounding the portrait. The date “1912” is set below the bust. The reverse showcases a standing bald eagle, strong and majestic, perched on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch beneath. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the denomination expressed as “2 1/2 DOLLARS.”

Coins from this series were not heavily circulated compared to other denominations, but many examples saw wear due to their small size and convenient face value. As a result, high-grade survivors such as this PCGS MS64 example are in high demand. In this grade, the coin displays vibrant luster, sharp details, and minimal marks, all housed in a secure PCGS holder for protection and authenticity.

The 1912 issue had a mintage of 616,000 pieces, making it one of the more available dates in the series for type collectors. However, the number of coins that have survived in Mint State 64 or better is a small fraction of that total. This specimen’s high grade sets it apart, offering a nearly gem-quality coin that approaches the upper levels of condition rarity for the series without the price premium of an MS65.

Gold content for the Quarter Eagle series is .12094 troy ounces of 90 percent pure gold, and while the melt value fluctuates with the spot price of gold, the collectible value of this piece far exceeds its intrinsic metal content. Its numismatic premium is driven by condition, certification, and the series’ unique place in American coinage history.

Collectors and investors alike appreciate the Indian Head Quarter Eagle for its artistic boldness and compact elegance. It represents an important transitional period in U.S. minting, when artistry was given more weight under the influence of President Theodore Roosevelt’s coinage renaissance. Bela Lyon Pratt’s incuse design was met with both admiration and skepticism at the time of release but has since become one of the most respected and recognizable designs in the classic gold series.

A 1912 $2.50 Indian graded PCGS MS64 is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier type coin, a set-building opportunity, or a historic investment-grade gold piece. It combines visual appeal with historic significance, and the PCGS certification provides peace of mind for authenticity and quality.