Numismatic

1926 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle XF

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The 1926 gold quarter eagle stands out as a remarkable example of American numismatic artistry, defined by its highly unusual incuse design. Unlike traditional coins where the details stand out from the surface, the imagery on this two and a half dollar piece is sunken directly into the metal. This innovative technique, crafted by Bela Lyon Pratt, gives the coin a distinct flat profile that protects its intricate details from wear. On the obverse, a Native American figure wearing a traditional feathered headdress looks leftward, encircled by thirteen stars. The word Liberty is inscribed along the top edge, with the 1926 date positioned at the bottom. The reverse displays a proud bald eagle perched on a branch, flanked by the classic mottos E Pluribus Unum and In God We Trust, while the country of origin and the denomination are clearly engraved around the border. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin contains 0.12094 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900. It belongs to a series minted from 1908 to 1929, with this specific year seeing a mintage of 446,000 pieces. This particular specimen is preserved in Extra Fine condition, offering a wonderful look at a creative era in United States coinage.