Numismatic

1928 $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle MS-61 NGC

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The 1928 gold quarter eagle stands out as a remarkable specimen of American coinage, showcasing a rare and distinctive incuse design. Unlike traditional coins where the details are raised, the elements of this piece are sunken below the surface. This innovative approach gives the coin a unique depth and tactile quality, making it a true marvel of early twentieth-century minting. On the obverse, a portrait of Liberty is depicted wearing a traditional feathered headdress. This central figure is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, alongside the word LIBERTY and the 1928 year of issue. The designer, Bela Lyon Pratt, left his initials BLP just above the date, marking his contribution to this revolutionary aesthetic. The reverse of the coin is equally compelling, featuring a proud bald eagle standing 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 also clearly incised. Struck from 0.12094 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900, this coin is a testament to the artistry of its era, with a total mintage of 416,000 pieces.