Numismatic

1914 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle MS-61 NGC

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The 1914 gold quarter eagle represents a fascinating departure from traditional coin minting. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this two and a half dollar denomination is celebrated for its unusual incuse design, where the details are sunken below the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. This innovative technique gives the piece a distinctively flat profile and a unique tactile quality. On the obverse, the coin displays a realistic portrait of Liberty wearing a traditional Native American headdress. This central figure is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, accompanied by the word LIBERTY and the 1914 year of issue. The initials B.L.P. are also visible, honoring the designer Bela Lyon Pratt. This series was minted regularly from 1908 to 1929, making this particular issue a prime example of early twentieth-century American gold coinage. The reverse depicts a proud bald eagle standing among olive branches, flanked by the classic national mottos E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches over the top, while the denomination of 2 1/2 DOLLARS is anchored at the bottom. Struck from 0.1209 ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900, this specific coin has been certified in Mint State 61 (MS-61) condition, preserving the intricate details of its recessed engraving.