Indian Head Quarter Eagle Values
How Much Indian Head Quarter Eagles are Worth: Indian Head Quarter Eagle Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $674 | $503 | $671 | $1,660.00 | $2,245.00 | $5,860.00 | $11,700.00 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $590 | $694 | $739 | $2,190.00 | $3,628.00 | $5,834.00 | $19,495.00 |
| 1910 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $674 | $714 | $671 | $1,609.00 | $2,295.00 | $9,995.00 | $26,150.00 |
| 1911 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $532 | $521 | $676 | $1,185.00 | $2,091.00 | $7,000.00 | $37,900.00 |
| 1911 | D | Strong D | -- | $1,750.00 | $2,250.00 | $2,613.00 | $3,395.00 | $4,120.00 | $7,800.00 | $14,164.00 | $20,990.00 | $61,950.00 | $234,250.00 |
| 1911 | D | Weak D | -- | $1,000.00 | $1,200.00 | $1,500.00 | $1,720.00 | $1,903.00 | $2,585.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1912 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $587 | $516 | $724 | $1,595.00 | $5,889.00 | $9,790.00 | $26,475.00 |
| 1913 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $664 | $542 | $659 | $1,325.00 | $2,213.00 | $7,413.00 | $24,900.00 |
| 1914 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $553 | $559 | $793 | $3,609.00 | $5,325.00 | $19,495.00 | $78,250.00 |
| 1914 | D | -- | -- | -- | $566 | $573 | $533 | $517 | $754 | $2,529.00 | $4,190.00 | $20,750.00 | $33,000.00 |
| 1915 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $684 | $536 | $689 | $1,147.00 | $2,033.00 | $5,805.00 | $24,000.00 |
| 1925 | D | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $644 | $714 | $659 | $636 | $898 | $1,843.00 | $11,535.00 |
| 1926 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $674 | $511 | $659 | $743 | $898 | $1,558.00 | $11,370.00 |
| 1927 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $587 | $539 | $659 | $743 | $840 | $1,851.00 | $16,180.00 |
| 1928 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $544 | $654 | $659 | $476 | $1,839.00 | $1,851.00 | $19,075.00 |
| 1929 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $510 | $566 | $573 | $587 | $684 | $659 | $743 | $1,180.00 | $5,540.00 | $35,400.00 |
History of the Indian Head Quarter Eagle
The Indian Head Quarter Eagle represents an important chapter in U.S. numismatic history. Struck intermittently between 1908 and 1929, this $2.50 gold coin was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt and is unique among U.S. circulating coinage for its incuse relief; that is, the design elements are sunk into the metal rather than raised above it. This notable change in design was part of a broader initiative led by Theodore Roosevelt to elevate American coinage to a higher artistic standard.
The obverse depicts a Native American wearing a full headdress, a contrast to the classical Liberty busts that had prevailed on earlier gold coins. The reverse portrays a standing eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, a symbol of strength and peace.
Production of the series was limited and discontinuous: initially issued annually from 1908 through 1915, then withheld during much of the WWI era, then resumed from 1925 through 1929. The series ended as the Great Depression deepened, and gold coin production for circulation was halted.
Because of its unique design and the eventual gold coin recall of the 1930s, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle stands not only as a piece of monetary history but also as a work of art and a collectible symbol of change in U.S. coinage.
Rarest Coins in the Series
Within the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series, certain dates and mint‐mark combinations stand out for their extreme rarity and demand among collectors.
- 1911-D: One of the lowest mintages in the series, with only ~55,680 coins.
- 1929-P: The final year of the series, struck at Philadelphia. Although the mintage of hundreds of thousands may appear reasonable, survival of high-grade business strikes is limited, making well-preserved examples desirable.
- Other lesser‐mintage issues: While many dates have moderate mintages, the nature of the incuse design meant that even coins with usual mintages tended to wear or mark more quickly. Uncirculated pieces are very rare, and superb Uncirculated pieces even more so.
Because collector attention and grading quality vary widely, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle value can escalate sharply for well‐preserved specimens of these rarer dates, especially in higher grades or with minimal surface flaws.
Types of Collections
Collectors interested in the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series pursue this coin in various ways:
- Representative / Type Set: A collector might include one example of the series (perhaps a more common date in circulated condition) to represent this unique design in a broader gold coin type collection.
- Complete Date & Mint Mark Set: A more ambitious collector may aim to accumulate one example of each date and mint mark (Philadelphia and Denver) from 1908 to 1929. Given the rarities listed above, achieving full coverage requires significant effort, especially in higher grade.
- Investment / Flagship Piece Approach: At the top tier, a collector may pursue one flagship Indian Head Quarter Eagle as the centerpiece of a high‐end gold coin collection, such as a well‐graded 1911-D or a pristine 1929.
Given the short mintage, unique design, and gold content, these strategies allow for both entry-level and advanced numismatics.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For new collectors with realistic expectations, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series offers an accessible entry point into gold coinage. A more common date in a modest grade can allow the collector to learn grading basics (strike quality, surface marks, toning), storage considerations (especially given the incuse design), and understand gold coin market fundamentals. While the entry cost is higher than that of base silver coins, the series provides meaningful historical and aesthetic interest.
Advanced Collecting
At the advanced stage, collectors focus intensively on condition, provenance, die varieties, and the premium differential between grades and dates. Subtle distinctions such as sharpness of the headdress, crispness of the eagle’s wings and arrows, and minimal marks in the recessed fields become critical. The Indian Head Quarter Eagle value at this level is heavily influenced by grade and condition. A small jump in grade or eye appeal can have a large price impact. Advanced collectors also monitor certified coin populations and auction results.
This series offers a progression from a moderate entry to a deep specialty, catering to both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Investment Potential
From an investment standpoint, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series offers several notable characteristics:
- Gold content baseline: As a $2.50 gold piece, the coin has intrinsic value tied to its gold composition, providing a floor below which value is unlikely to drop.
- Artistic and historical appeal: Its incuse design and place in the Roosevelt era of coinage reform ensure that collector interest is more than just metal value. This extra dimension supports premiums above bullion.
- Limited surviving high‐grade specimens: Because the design’s recessed relief tended to wear or score more easily, coins in top condition are scarce. That scarcity helps support higher prices for top examples.
However, a few caveats apply: many common dates in modest grades will trade much closer to gold value than high premiums. Market liquidity for top-grade coins may be limited, and certification (grading service, holder condition), as well as surface preservation, remain key. One must recognize that investment performance often comes from rarity and grade rather than simply owning any coin in the series.