Numismatic

$2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle MS-61 NGC

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This gold quarter eagle represents a striking departure from traditional coinage techniques. Minted between 1908 and 1929, the coin features an incuse design, meaning the details are recessed below the flat surface of the coin rather than raised above it. This unusual method gives the piece a distinct, flat profile that sets it apart from almost all other American currency. The obverse of this coin showcases a portrait of Liberty adorned in a traditional Native American headdress. This central figure is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, alongside the word 'LIBERTY' and the year of issue. The design was created by Bela Lyon Pratt, who brought a fresh, realistic aesthetic to the nation's coinage during this era. On the reverse, a proud bald eagle stands on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. The inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' accompany the denomination of '2 1/2 DOLLARS'. Struck at either the Philadelphia or Denver mints, each coin contains 0.12094 troy ounces of gold and is composed of 90 percent pure gold. This particular specimen has been certified in Mint State 61 (MS-61) condition, preserving its unique recessed artistry for modern observers to appreciate.