1911-D $2 1/2 MS66 NGC....

Description

1911-D Indian Quarter Eagle, MS66
Low-Mintage Series Key
Tied for Finest at NGC

1911-D $2 1/2 MS66 NGC. Strong D. The story behind the popularity of Bela Lyon Pratt's sunken relief Indian Head quarter eagle series is twofold. When they were first struck in 1908, this innovative coin was met with criticism because of the recessed design and "questionable" artistic appeal. Along with the five dollar coins of the same design, the Indian head quarter eagles were the first, and to date only, coins to have this sunken relief feature. A staunch and vocal critic, Philadelphia numismatist S.H. Chapman argued that the new quarter eagles would be easily counterfeited and had a hygiene problem: germs and disease-bearing dirt would become trapped within the sunken areas. Roger W. Burdette further explains that in 1908 superintendent of the Denver Mint Frank Downer telegraphed Director of the U.S. Mint Franklin A. Leach's office with concerns about the 'stackability' of the Indian Head designs. Finally, due to the stable nature of gold prices in the early 20th century, collectors did not see the potential future value in the Indian Head series as they did in other issues. At the time, the value of quarter eagles was tied to the price of bullion, whereas copper coins, for example, could be purchased and resold for profit depending on varieties.

Over time these qualms have dissipated: the hygiene problem proved inaccurate, counterfeiting proved challenging, and stackability became a non-issue. Today the popularity of the Indian Head quarter eagle series has changed dramatically. Given their small size and availability and with only 15 coins to complete the set, this issue presents an opportunity for collectors to acquire the key to this popular and otherwise completable series. With a mere 55,680 coins minted - by far the lowest in the series - the 1911-D is the crown jewel of the series.

This impressive Premium Gem features a bold strike, including, unlike many others, a sharp and complete mintmark. Both sides are highly lustrous, displaying bright yellow-gold surfaces. Without question, any collector would be proud to own this 20th century rarity. Census: 4 in 66, 0 finer (1/21).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# EGZ7, PCGS# 7943, Greysheet# 8615)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.13oz
Mintage: 55,680

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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