1926 $2 1/2

Description

1926 Indian Head $2 1/2 (Quarter Eagle), Philadelphia Mint, PCGS MS65. This 1926 Philadelphia Indian Quarter Eagle represents the twelfth and final issue in Bela Lyon Pratt's distinctive recessed-design series before the $2.50 gold denomination ceased production in 1929. With a mintage of 446,000 pieces, this coin is one of two quarter eagles struck in 1926, sharing the year with the American Sesquicentennial Commemorative issue. The design showcases Pratt's innovative artistic approach, featuring a Native American motif on the obverse and an eagle in a nest on the reverse. Graded PCGS MS65, this example displays the characteristic frosty, highly lustrous surfaces and warm golden hues typical of well-preserved specimens from this series. The reeded edge and full strike are consistent with Philadelphia Mint production standards of the period. According to numismatist David Akers' 1975 analysis, the 1926 Philadelphia ranks as the 13th scarcest of fifteen issues in the series for Gem availability, making it slightly scarcer than the popular 1925-D but still readily obtainable in lower Mint State grades. The population data reflects the conditional scarcity of this issue: among 931 total PCGS-graded examples, only 168 have achieved grades of MS65 or higher, with MS66 and finer examples representing the truly scarce tier of the series. This PCGS Certificate #54929549 represents a significant holding for collectors assembling a complete Indian Quarter Eagle set or seeking quality examples of late-series gold coinage. Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, this coin retains its full weight of 4.18 grams and 18mm diameter. The starting bid reflects current market valuations for this popular and historically significant pre-1933 gold issue.