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The 1913 $2.5 Gold Indian Quarter Eagle, certified MS62 by NGC, represents a remarkable chapter in early 20th-century American numismatics. As part of the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, the 1913 issue carries forward the revolutionary incuse design that challenged traditional aesthetics and minting techniques. This series, initiated in 1908 at the urging of President Theodore Roosevelt, broke from convention with sunken devices rather than raised motifs, producing a unique and enduringly popular coin among collectors and historians alike. The 1913 issue is especially desirable due to its limited mintage, strong strike characteristics, and distinctive historical backdrop.
The obverse of the coin features a bold and dignified image of a Native American male in full headdress, facing left. His expression is stoic, and the intricate feather detail on the headdress reflects the fine craftsmanship of early 20th-century U.S. Mint engraving. Surrounding the portrait are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, along with the word “LIBERTY” at the top and the date “1913” situated below the bust. The incuse nature of the design means that the devices and inscriptions are engraved below the plane of the coin’s surface, making this one of only two U.S. coin series—the other being the $5 Indian Head Half Eagle—to utilize this artistic technique.
On the reverse side of the 1913 $2.5 Gold Indian is a stately bald eagle perched on a bundle of arrows entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The eagle faces left and has an alert, powerful stance. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The denomination “2 1/2 DOLLARS” is inscribed along the bottom. The incuse relief again creates a recessed visual presentation, which helped reduce wear during circulation and gave the coin a distinctive appearance compared to its predecessors and successors in U.S. gold coinage.
The 1913 Quarter Eagle was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was responsible for producing the majority of the coins in this series. No mintmark appears on Philadelphia issues, distinguishing them from branch mint counterparts like those produced in Denver. The mintage for the 1913 issue was relatively low, totaling just 722,165 pieces. This modest output contributes to its scarcity, especially in higher mint state grades, and makes it a highly collectible date within the series. While not the lowest mintage in the series, 1913 stands out for its balance of availability and numismatic interest.
The Indian Head Quarter Eagle series ran from 1908 to 1929, with production paused during certain years due to economic and political factors, including World War I and the onset of the Great Depression. Bela Lyon Pratt’s design was initially met with mixed reactions due to its unconventional appearance, but over time, appreciation for the incuse artistry has grown tremendously. The series is now recognized as a masterpiece of early 20th-century coin design and a high point in the artistic renaissance of American coinage driven by Roosevelt’s desire to beautify U.S. money.
The 1913 Quarter Eagle, like all issues in this series, is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, giving it a slightly reddish hue in some examples. It weighs 4.18 grams and contains 0.12094 troy ounces of pure gold. Its small diameter of 18 millimeters and reeded edge were standard for the denomination, but the coin's incuse design and sculptural detail set it apart from other gold issues of the period. Despite the relatively small surface area, the incuse features were finely engraved and struck with surprising clarity, especially for an early 20th-century coin minted with traditional screw press technology.
The MS62 grade assigned by NGC indicates a coin that is uncirculated, showing no signs of wear from use, but with more noticeable contact marks and abrasions than coins in higher mint state grades. These imperfections are typically found in the fields or on the high points of the design, but overall, the coin retains good eye appeal, full detail, and bright luster. In the context of the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series, MS62 is considered a respectable and accessible grade for collectors, offering a solid blend of value and quality without the price premiums associated with MS64 or MS65 coins.
NGC certification provides assurance of authenticity, grade accuracy, and long-term preservation for the coin. Encapsulation in a tamper-evident holder helps protect the coin from environmental damage and mishandling, ensuring its continued appeal and value in the numismatic market. NGC’s reputation for consistent grading standards also enhances buyer confidence, making certified MS62 examples a smart acquisition for collectors seeking to build a complete Indian Quarter Eagle set or add a high-quality gold coin to a U.S. type collection.
The 1913 Quarter Eagle is historically significant not just for its design and technical innovation, but also for its placement in the broader narrative of American gold coinage. It represents the period immediately before the major economic disruptions of World War I, a time when the U.S. Mint was still issuing gold coins for general circulation. Within just two decades, gold coinage would be withdrawn from everyday commerce as the country shifted to paper money and bullion storage in response to financial crises. Thus, each surviving example of the 1913 Indian Head Quarter Eagle stands as a testament to a bygone era of circulating U.S. gold coinage.
Collectors prize the 1913 $2.5 Gold Indian for its classic incuse design, relatively low mintage, and rich historical context. While not the rarest date in the series, it is one of the more difficult issues to find in attractive mint state grades due to its modest production and the general wear suffered by many examples during the coin’s time in circulation. MS62 examples certified by NGC offer an ideal balance of affordability and condition, appealing to collectors seeking both historical significance and visual charm. With its enduring design, secure encapsulation, and solid gold content, the 1913 Quarter Eagle remains a foundational piece of American numismatic artistry and an excellent addition to any advanced or type-focused coin collection.