Numismatic

1914 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle XF

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The 1914 gold quarter eagle represents a fascinating departure from traditional coinage methods. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this two and a half dollar piece features an incuse design, meaning the details are sunken below the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. This unusual technique gives the coin a distinctively flat profile and a unique tactile quality. On the obverse, a portrait of Liberty wearing a traditional feathered headdress is encircled by thirteen stars. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the top curve, with the date 1914 positioned at the bottom. This striking depiction offers a completely different aesthetic compared to other American gold coins of the era. The reverse displays a proud bald eagle standing amidst the essential national inscriptions. Surrounding the central figure are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination, expressed as 2 1/2 DOLLARS. The traditional mottos, E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST, are also integrated into the sunken fields of the design. Crafted from 0.900 fine gold, this coin contains 0.12094 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a specific moment in the production run of this series, which was minted from 1908 to 1929. With a total mintage of 240,000 pieces for this specific year, this Extra Fine specimen showcases the innovative artistry of designer Bela Lyon Pratt.