Numismatic

1913 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle MS-64 NGC

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In 1913, the Philadelphia branch of the United States Mint produced a gold coin that defied traditional numismatic design. The Quarter Eagle, valued at two and a half dollars, features an innovative incuse style. Unlike standard coins where the details rise above the surface, the imagery on this piece is sunken directly into the gold, creating a flat plane that protects the intricate details of the artwork. Bela Lyon Pratt designed this unusual piece, which was struck during a production run spanning from 1908 to 1929. The obverse depicts a portrait of Liberty wearing a traditional feathered headdress, encircled by thirteen stars. Above the portrait, the word 'LIBERTY' is inscribed, with the date 1913 positioned below. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands as the central focus. The design incorporates the country of origin, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', along with the traditional mottos 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. The denomination is also clearly marked. This specific specimen has survived in remarkable condition, certified as Mint State 64 (MS-64), preserving its 0.1209 troy ounces of 90 percent pure gold.