Numismatic

1913 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle MS-62 NGC

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The 1913 gold quarter eagle represents a fascinating departure from traditional coinage design. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin does not bear a mint mark, distinguishing it from those produced at branch facilities. It is made of 0.900 fine gold, containing 0.12094 troy ounces of precious metal. The series itself was produced from 1908 to 1929, with this specific year seeing a mintage of 722,000 pieces. What makes this coin truly remarkable is its incuse design, created by Bela Lyon Pratt. Instead of the raised elements found on typical coinage, the details are sunken below the flat surface. The obverse presents a realistic depiction of Liberty wearing a traditional Native American feathered headdress. This central figure is encircled by thirteen stars, with the word LIBERTY inscribed above and the 1913 date positioned below. On the reverse, a majestic bald eagle stands in profile. The design is richly inscribed with the country of origin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, along with the two national mottos, E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST. The face value of 2 1/2 Dollars is clearly displayed at the bottom, completing a design that remains one of the most innovative in American numismatic history.