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The Certified $2.5 Gold Indian 1914 MS62 PCGS is a compelling and historically important example of one of America’s most unique gold coin designs. Struck during the early 20th century, this quarter eagle belongs to the Indian Head series that was minted from 1908 to 1929. The 1914 issue, certified in Mint State 62 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), is a fully uncirculated coin with moderate contact marks and satiny luster, exhibiting the distinct incuse design that sets it apart from all other U.S. circulating gold coins. The 1914 date is moderately scarce, particularly in higher Mint State grades, and MS62 represents a well-preserved specimen that balances collectibility and affordability.
The obverse of the coin features a bold left-facing portrait of a Native American chief wearing a feathered war bonnet, designed by Bela Lyon Pratt. This design is notable for being recessed or incuse—engraved into the surface of the coin rather than raised—making it distinct from all other classic U.S. coinage. The word “LIBERTY” appears above the portrait, with thirteen six-pointed stars encircling the edge, symbolizing the original colonies. The date “1914” is located at the base. In MS62 condition, the coin shows no signs of wear, but displays moderate contact marks or abrasions in the open fields. The detail in the feathers, facial features, and surrounding devices remains strong, and the fields exhibit a subdued, matte-like texture typical of the series.
The reverse of the 1914 Indian Quarter Eagle features a standing eagle, alert and regal, perched on a bundle of arrows wrapped in an olive branch. This powerful imagery conveys the balance between peace and strength. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with the denomination “2 1/2 DOLLARS” clearly stated below the eagle. Like the obverse, the reverse design is also incuse, and despite the sunken format, this MS62 example retains good definition in the eagle’s feathers, the branch, and the lettering. The reverse may show minor marks, but the coin’s originality and clarity remain intact, supported by PCGS certification.
Struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, the 1914 $2.5 Indian weighs 4.18 grams and contains 0.12094 troy ounces of pure gold. Measuring 18 millimeters in diameter, the coin is compact but loaded with numismatic and historical value. It was designed as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s push to improve the artistry of American coinage, and Bela Lyon Pratt’s innovative incuse format challenged both Mint engravers and the public. The unconventional design met with skepticism when first introduced, but over time it has become one of the most beloved and distinctive designs in U.S. numismatics.
The Philadelphia Mint struck 240,000 of the 1914 Indian Quarter Eagles, a relatively modest mintage compared to other coins in circulation at the time. While not among the rarest dates in the series, the 1914 issue is not commonly encountered in Mint State, and well-struck certified examples like this PCGS MS62 are considerably more desirable than circulated pieces. Most surviving coins are found in AU or low Mint State grades due to the coin’s susceptibility to contact marks, which are more visible because of the coin’s incuse surfaces. MS62 is considered a collector-grade coin with solid detail and above-average surface preservation.
PCGS’s MS62 grade signifies that the coin is fully uncirculated, with all design elements sharp and untouched by circulation wear. However, MS62 coins typically show moderate contact marks, particularly in the fields and on Liberty’s cheek or the eagle’s wings. These marks are the result of bag handling rather than circulation. In this grade, the coin retains a good level of original mint luster, often with a soft, satiny finish that gives the surfaces a subtle glow rather than a brilliant shine. For many collectors, MS62 is the optimal blend of quality and affordability within the certified Mint State range for this series.
Visually, the 1914 Indian Quarter Eagle in MS62 often displays pleasing yellow-gold coloration, with occasional hints of orange or copper toning from the alloy. The incuse design offers a unique look and feel, giving the coin a rugged, sculptural quality that sets it apart from other U.S. coins of the era. The sunken devices provide excellent contrast with the fields, and even with minor contact marks, the coin has a strong aesthetic appeal thanks to the bold artwork and careful preservation.
Historically, 1914 was a significant year, marking the beginning of World War I in Europe. Though the United States remained neutral until 1917, economic and geopolitical tensions were rising. Gold coinage was still a regular part of American commerce, but within two decades, the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 and the cessation of circulating gold coins would bring this era to a close. Many $2.5 Indian coins were melted or lost to time, especially during the Great Depression and subsequent gold recalls, making certified survivors like this one more valuable today.
Today, the Certified $2.5 Gold Indian 1914 MS62 PCGS stands out as a collector-favorite coin that represents a dramatic artistic departure in U.S. numismatics. Its incuse design, strong national symbolism, and relatively low mintage make it both a historic artifact and a desirable collectible. As a certified Mint State coin, it offers both investment-grade gold content and a high level of preservation, appealing to collectors, investors, and fans of early 20th-century American coinage alike. Whether added to a complete Indian Quarter Eagle set, a type set of pre-1933 gold coins, or held as a tangible piece of U.S. history, this coin offers lasting value and distinction.