1926 $2 1/2

Description

1926 Indian Head Quarter Eagle (Philadelphia) — PCGS MS65. This 1926 Philadelphia Indian Quarter Eagle represents the 12th issue in Bela Lyon Pratt's innovative recessed-design series, struck during the final years of the $2.50 gold denomination's production. With a mintage of 446,000 pieces, this coin exemplifies the standard coinage of its era before the series concluded in 1929. The Philadelphia mint mark (P) identifies this as one of two distinct $2.50 gold coins issued in 1926, the other being the American Sesquicentennial Commemorative Quarter Eagle. Graded PCGS MS65 (Certificate #54929549), this example exhibits the frosty, highly lustrous surfaces characteristic of well-preserved specimens from this series. The warm golden hues typical of the 90% gold composition are prominently displayed, with the potential for patches of orange-red toning that add visual appeal to top-end pieces. The recessed design elements remain crisp and well-defined, showcasing Pratt's artistic vision across the coin's 18mm diameter. Conditionally scarce in grades of MS66 or finer, the 1926 Indian Quarter Eagle benefits from considerable attrition and the characteristics inherent to its design and distribution. According to numismatist David Akers' 1975 analysis, this issue ranks 13th out of 15 for Gem availability in the series, making it slightly scarcer than the popular 1925-D but still readily obtainable in lower Mint State grades. Current PCGS population data reflects 934 total graded examples, with 170 graded finer than this specimen, underscoring its desirability to collectors seeking quality examples of this classic pre-1933 gold issue.