1915 Indian Head $2.50 Quarter Eagle

1915 Indian Head quarter eagles are widely considered as common in relation to the other issues in the series. However, when looking at the Indian Head quarter series as a whole, one will realize that these coins are much scarcer than other pre-1934 U.S. gold coin issues. This is partly because the Indian Head quarter eagle series was not widely loved by the public or the numismatic community.

• 1915, 606,000 minted; $464

• 1915 Proof, 100; $5,000

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

Part of the reason the coin was shunned by the public was the fact that it features an incuse design, which many thought would harbor bacteria. This is one of only two incuse U.S. coins, both of which were designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, a pupil of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the famous designer of the double eagle of the time. 

When it comes to the uncirculated Indian Head quarter eagles, they are quite scarce in uncirculated condition. Therefore, if you plan on buying a Mint State Indian Head quarter eagle, be sure to buy a certified example from a trusted coin dealer. There’s too much risk in buying a raw Indian Head quarter eagle that may have been polished or cleaned to look uncirculated, and these doctored coins are quite common. Incidentally, 1915 would be the last year that Indian Head quarter eagles would be struck until 1925.