Can you name all the Quarter Eagles struck by the U.S. Mint in the 20th century?
In numismatics, there is a strong tradition of set-building. Collectors often have the goal of assembling interesting, themed and relevant groups of coins such as buying one of every date, design type and mintmark. The basic concept is to establish a collecting objective and work towards completing it. Owning a complete set increases the value of coins compared to owning individual coins.
Some series are better for set-building than others. Some coinage series are filled with key dates that are difficult to find and prohibitively expensive. For instance, it is currently impossible for a collector to build a complete set of Three Dollar gold pieces because the unique 1870-S is impounded in a museum. $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are another example. There are at least 10 different dates that cost well into five, six, or even seven figures. A complete set can be assembled, but it would require a massive budget.
The $2.50 Indian is the only United States gold series that can be affordably completed.
This is one of the reasons why it’s among the most popular coins in all of numismatics. Every other United States gold coinage type has at least one major rarity beyond the average collector’s budget.
However, it’s not just price that makes the $2.50 Indian such a beloved coin. It also boasts a gorgeous design and impressive history. All four major United States gold denominations were revamped in 1907-1908. President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to overhaul the $2.50, $5, $10 and $20 coins. Tragically, Saint-Gaudens passed away before he could complete the project. He only completed the $10 and $20 motifs. Therefore, his student, Bela Lyon Pratt, finished the task and redesigned the $2.50 and $5 pieces.
Pratt chose a unique and innovative design approach. Unlike any other United States coin, the $2.50 and $5 Indian gold pieces have an incused format. That is, the details are sunken, rather than raised. The result is a unique and highly attractive visual effect. The public was initially worried that dirt and germs could become trapped in the concave recesses, but these concerns were largely unfounded.
Today's Spotlight Offer
The $2.50 Indian series runs from 1908 through 1929 with a total of 15 date/mintmark combinations. Of those 15 issues, all but two are extremely affordable in Uncirculated condition. The 1911-D and 1914 are typically somewhat pricey in Mint State, but otherwise, the remaining 13 issues trade at a very reasonable price point. While we’ve always felt these dates were a solid value, we can especially endorse them now.
When we noticed what a great find $2.50 Indians had become, we grabbed every fairly-priced, solid-quality coin we could find.
We are pleased to offer a small, exclusive grouping of $2.50 Indians, all graded MS63 or better by PCGS or NGC, dated 1908-1914. Each coin comes in a protective slab. Indians really jump in price at the MS64 grade, so these MS63 coins represent a sweet spot under $3,000 for enterprising collectors. Today's selection of dates is a strong start to building a $2.50 Indian date set, or completing an existing one.
- 1908 MS63 $2.50 Indian for $1,429. We have 3 available.
- 1909 MS63 $2.50 Indian for $2,199. We have just 1 available.
- 1911 MS63 $2.50 Indian for $1,299. We have 6 available.
- 1913 MS63 $2.50 Indian for $1,269. We have 10 available.
- 1914 MS63 $2.50 Indian for $2,999. We have 3 available.
- 1914-D MS63 $2.50 Indian for $1,999. We have 6 available. These bear the Denver mintmark.
If any particular issue has caught your attention, additional photos and details are available upon request.
Please call one of our Preferred Client Relations representatives today at 800-831-0007 or email infoasi@assetstrategies.com to order your $2.50 Indians. We encourage you to act quickly; these coins will find new homes in a very short period of time.
*Prices are subject to change due to market fluctuation and product availability. Price includes free shipping, handling and insurance. Offer expires Thursday July 3, 2025 or while supplies last.
