1926 $2 1/2

Description

1926 Indian Head Quarter Eagle, Philadelphia Mint, PCGS MS65. This 1926 Philadelphia Indian Quarter Eagle represents the twelfth issue in Bela Lyon Pratt's innovative recessed-design series. The Philadelphia mint struck 446,000 pieces of this denomination before production of the $2.50 gold coin permanently ceased in 1929. As one of two quarter eagle issues struck in 1926—alongside the American Sesquicentennial Commemorative—this Indian Head example benefits from strong collector demand and notable conditional scarcity. The present example, graded PCGS MS65 (Certificate #54921086), exhibits the characteristic frosty, highly lustrous surfaces and warm golden hues typical of well-preserved specimens from this series. Mint State examples of the 1926 Indian Quarter Eagle are conditionally scarce in PCGS MS66 or finer, with only 168 examples graded finer than the present lot out of 930 total PCGS certifications. Numismatist David Akers ranked this date 13th out of 15 for Gem availability, noting it as slightly scarcer than the 1925-D but still accessible in lower Mint State grades—a market reality that remains consistent today. Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, this quarter eagle weighs 4.18 grams and measures 18mm in diameter with a reeded edge. The MS65 grade positions this piece as an attractive example suitable for both type collectors and series specialists seeking quality representation of this final decade of Indian Head quarter eagle production.