$2 1/2 Indian BU (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $2 1/2 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle BU (Dates Vary) offers an opportunity to own one of the most distinctive designs in early twentieth-century United States gold coinage. Each coin is offered in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, showing no evidence of wear from circulation. Containing approximately .12094 troy ounces of pure gold, these coins combine historic pre-1933 gold content with Bela Lyon Pratt's innovative incuse design. Dates and mintmarks vary according to availability.

History

The Indian Head Quarter Eagle was introduced in 1908 during President Theodore Roosevelt's effort to improve the artistic quality of American coinage. Sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt created the new design for both the $2.50 Quarter Eagle and $5 Half Eagle. Unlike conventional coin designs with raised relief, Pratt recessed the principal design elements and inscriptions below the surface of the coin, creating one of the most distinctive appearances in United States coinage.

Indian Head Quarter Eagles were produced from 1908 through 1915 and again from 1925 through 1929. Most were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, while selected issues were also produced at Denver. The relatively compact series and unusual design have made Indian Quarter Eagles enduring favorites among collectors of pre-1933 United States gold. Brilliant Uncirculated examples offer an opportunity to own this historic type without circulation wear.

Design

The obverse features a left-facing Native American portrait wearing a feathered headdress, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original states. The inscription LIBERTY appears above the portrait, with the date below. The recessed design gives the coin an appearance unlike nearly every other circulating coin produced by the United States Mint.

The reverse depicts a standing bald eagle perched on a bundle of arrows wrapped with an olive branch, representing military preparedness and peace. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2 1/2 DOLLARS complete the design. Mintmarks, when present, appear on the reverse. The specific date and mint received will vary according to available inventory.