1929-P $2.50 Gold Indian NGC/PCGS MS63 w/Teddy Roosevelt Medal

The Last of the Incuse Indians

In 1796, the U.S. Mint struck its first $2.50 gold coin. 133 years later, the Mint struck its last “Quarter Eagle,” bringing an end to that denomination with the 1929 $2.50 Gold Indian. Created under the watchful eye of President Theodore Roosevelt, who hoped to see American coinage see a new golden age, the $2.50 Gold Indian is also notable as being one of the only incuse coins struck by the U.S. Mint, with its design set below the surface of the coin rather than above it.

Beautiful Design Graces One of the Shortest-Lived Series In U.S. Coin History

One of the shortest-lived series in U.S. coin history, the 1908-1929 “Gold Indian” $2.50 coins are collector favorites today. People love the magnificent portrait of an authentic-looking Native American on the obverse and the proud Bald Eagle on the coin’s reverse. But what really sets these coins apart is their recessed or incused design — which was basically a reverse of the normal die in that the design was pressed into the coin rather than the typical coin where the design rises outward from the coin. The theory was that by recessing their design, the coins would last longer. Sadly, this was not the case, but the theory did lead to the creation of some of the most unique coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint! Designed by Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, the $2.50 Gold Indians were struck from 1908 to 1915 and again from 1925-1929.

With its incuse design, the $2.50 Gold Indian has gone down in American history as one of the nation’s most intriguing numismatic stories. You can secure this last-year coin certified by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as being in Choice Uncirculated Mint State-63 (MS63) condition (grading service varies). In addition, you’ll also receive a U.S. Mint-struck Teddy Roosevelt medal sealed in an NGC holder.

COIN HIGHLIGHTS:

• FAMOUS INCUSE DESIGN – Struck from 1908-1929, America’s $2.50 Gold Indian coins featured a design that was recessed or incused into the coin. Only the $5 Indians struck during the same period featured this same incuse deign, making them two of the most intriguing U.S. coins ever issued. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, his initials “BLP” can be seen on the coin’s obverse at the base of the Native American’s bust.
• KEY LAST YEAR OF ISSUE – Firsts and lasts are always important to collectors. This 1929-P $2.50 Gold Indian is the last issue in the iconic series.
• STRUCK IN PURE AMERICAN GOLD – Each coin in this set was struck in 3.76 grams of highly pure 90% fine American gold and measures 18 mm in diameter.
• LEGAL TENDER U.S. COINAGE – The denomination of $2.50 is shown on the coin’s reverse where it reads “2½ DOLLARS” Below the talons of the proud American eagle.
• FANTASTIC GRADE FOR COINS THIS OLD – Your 1929-P $2.50 Gold Indian Complete Collection has been graded by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in Choice Uncirculated Mint State-63 (MS63) condition.

When the new $2.50 Gold Indians were released in 1908, folks gasped. The design was sunk into the surface of the coin rather than raising it above. And what a design! Secure the last-year-of-issue coin now.