Numismatic

1914-D $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle MS-61 NGC

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In 1914, the Denver Mint produced a run of 448,000 gold quarter eagles that stand out for their unusual physical structure. Unlike most coinage where the design elements rise above the flat surface, this coin features an incuse design, meaning the details are pressed deep into the metal. This innovative technique leaves the fields of the coin as the highest points, protecting the intricate artwork within the recessed areas. The obverse of this gold piece, which consists of 0.12094 troy ounces of gold, displays a portrait of Liberty adorned in a traditional Native American war bonnet. This figure is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, alongside the word LIBERTY and the 1914 production date. Bela Lyon Pratt created this distinctive artwork, which was utilized on these two and a half dollar pieces from 1908 through 1929. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands amidst several key national mottos. The inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the denomination. This specific specimen has been certified in Mint State 61 (MS-61) condition, preserving the deep-set details of a fascinating era in American gold minting.