1912 Indian Head $2.50 Quarter Eagle

1912 Indian Head $2.50 quarter eagles are about as common as most other Indian Head quarter eagles. However, the Indian Head quarter eagle series is actually one of the scarcer 20th-century gold coins, as many of these $2.50 coins were not saved in great quantities – a situation probably owing to the fact that the design was not well liked by many numismatists when the coin was first released. Even the public panned the coin, thinking its incuse design would more easily harbor bacteria than coins with a raised design. For the record, the Indian Head quarter eagle is one of just two coins the United States has ever made featuring an incuse design. The other is the Indian Head half eagle, which, like the quarter eagle of the same design and time of production, was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt.

Here’s a basic rundown of the mintages and values of 1912 Indian Head quarter eagles:

• 1912, 616,000 minted; $466

• 1912 proof, 197; $5,000

*Values are for coins in a grade of Very Fine 20, unless otherwise noted.

As the Indian Head quarter eagle was not much embraced when it first hit pockets and purses across America, there are relatively few survivors in the upper Mint State grades. If it is a uncirculated Indian Head quarter eagle you seek, be sure you turn to your trusted coin dealer.