Numismatic

1909 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle XF

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The 1909 gold quarter eagle represents a dramatic departure from traditional coinage methods. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this issue features an innovative incuse design, meaning the details are sunken below the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. This unusual technique gives the piece a distinct, tactile quality that sets it apart from almost all other American currency of its era. On the obverse, a Native American figure wearing a ceremonial headdress faces left, encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The word LIBERTY is inscribed above, with the year 1909 positioned below the bust. The initials B.L.P. are also visible, identifying the artist Bela Lyon Pratt who created this unique presentation. The reverse displays a proud bald eagle perched upon an olive branch and a bundle of arrows. The surrounding inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination of 2 1/2 DOLLARS, and the traditional mottos E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST. Composed of 90 percent gold, this coin contains 0.12094 troy ounces of precious metal. It was part of a total mintage of 441,760 pieces produced in Philadelphia during that year, making it a compelling survivor of a design series that was minted from 1908 to 1929. This particular specimen survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the deep-set details of its revolutionary engraving.