Numismatic

1915 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle BU

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In 1915, the Philadelphia Mint produced a gold quarter eagle that stands as a remarkable departure from traditional coin design. Unlike typical coins with raised features, this two and a half dollar gold piece utilizes an incuse, or sunken, relief style. The flat fields of the coin remain the highest points, while the intricate details of the artwork are carved directly into the metal, creating a captivating three-dimensional depth. The obverse presents a powerful profile of Liberty, depicted wearing a traditional Native American feather headdress. This portrait is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the word "LIBERTY" arching over the top and the date 1915 resting below. Because this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it bears no mint mark, leaving the fields clean and focused entirely on the artistry. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands amidst the classic inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The denomination of two and a half dollars is clearly displayed at the bottom. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, this coin contains 0.1209 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900, representing a total mintage of 606,000 pieces. It remains a fascinating study in early twentieth-century American numismatic innovation.