Lot 2209
1913 $2.50 Indian. NGC graded Proof 67. One of the finest seen. Coin is encased in NGC holder 1615509-001. A near perfect specimen. The 1912 and 1913 Proof quarter eagles share the same overall character with finely grained sandblast surfaces comprising microscopic diamond-like sparkles that create a smooth appearance to the unmagnified eye. This example has warm peach-gold color with extraordinary surfaces. It is a Superb Gem and to say the least, is of a quality that approaches the finest available for the year. No marks or scuffs in the matte frost evident, The low Proof production was caused by a general lack of interest from collectors, and the belief is that fewer than half of those originally made still survive, with the total population perhaps 65 to 75 coins. Only 165 Proofs struck. Pop 9; 2 in PF68; none finer. (PCGS # 7962) .
When Bela Lyon Pratt's new Indian head motif was launched upon the American waters in 1908, the public was surprised. Never in American numismatics had a coin designer broken with tradition in such a explicit way as did Pratt. For what Pratt did was to recess the design below the surface of the coin! Forget the fact that his half eagles and quarter eagles were far more aesthetically pleasing than the long-running and tired-appearing Liberty heads they replaced. Unlike his predecessors, Pratt chose to give credit to a real American Indian for a change, not some made-up Greek goddess wearing an incongruous Indian featherpiece. And because of this, his design helped to propel American coin design into the a new level of artistic merit.
Estimated Value $28,000 - 31,000.
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| Realized $33,350 |
