By CoinWeek Notes ….
JD-1. Using one set of dies, the Philadelphia Mint struck a total of 197 1912 Indian Head Quarter Eagle Proofs, all on March 18. For Proof gold coins this year, the United States Mint deployed a fine sandblast finish, which under glass reveals a fine texture unlike any issued by the Mint in the preceding years.
It is generally considered that the color of the 1912 Proof is lighter than that found on the 1909 and 1910 Indian Head Quarter Eagle Proofs.
While not appreciated upon release, early 20th-century gold Proofs are coveted by today’s upmarket collector due to the uniqueness of their look (the Mint abandoned matte-style Proofs after the series resumed in 1936) and their extreme scarcity.
The major third-party grading services CAC, NGC, and PCGS combined report 103 grading events. With duplication between TPGs likely due to crossovers, the actual survival rate in gradable condition may be closer to 75 or 80 pieces.
Even though we were able to track several auctions for coins graded Proof 67 or finer. However, the quality of the available auction listing images makes it difficult to match coins that may have been upgraded or crossed over. Furthermore, none of the available pedigree information predates internet auctions.
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Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
Top Population: PCGS PR67+ (3, 8/2024). NGC PF68 (14, 3/2024). CAC PR67 (4:0 stickered:graded, 8/2024).
- NGC PF68 #1634499-029: Lisa L.; “The Dr. Robert J. Loewinger Collection,” Heritage Auctions, January 4, 2007, Lot 3117 – $50,312.50. LISA L. on insert.
- PCGS PR67+ #40278086: Stack’s Bowers, December 18, 2020, Lot 2359 – $57,600.
- PCGS PR67+ CAC #38402753: Heritage Auctions, January 9, 2020, Lot 4371 – $78,000.
- PCGS PR67 #06595190: “The Dr. Robert J. Loewinger Collection,” Heritage Auctions, January 4, 2007, Lot 3116 – $43,125; “The Kutz Family Collection of $2 1/2 Indian Proofs,” Heritage Auctions, January 6, 2011, Lot 5052 – $46,000; Heritage Auctions, April 28, 2011, Lot 5349 – $46,000; Stack’s Bowers, August 17, 2021, Lot 4186 – $40,800.
- PCGS PR67 #35747090: Heritage Auctions, August 16, 2018, Lot 5226 – $43,200.
- PCGS PR67 CAC #36498772: Stack’s Bowers, February 28, 2019, Lot 1132 – $60,000.
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1912 Indian Head Quarter Eagle Proof Specifications
Country: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1912
Denomination: $2.50 (USD)
Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)
Mintage: 197
Alloy: .900 Gold, .100 Copper
Weight: 4.18 g
Diameter: 18.00 mm
Edge: Reeded
Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
Quality: Proof
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Informative article on the 1912 Indian Head gold coin.
would like to have one, little out of my price range.
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Beautiful coin, would love to have one
The Quarter Eagle is my favorite gold coin. I really like the recessed relief of the coin. I have one that was set into a ring about 40 years ago.
Thats a cool coin
These are beautiful but way out of my league.
Remember seeing some Indian head pennies when I was a kid – my dad had some.
Very nice coin
Really nice coins. Maybe someday.
Very detailed, hopefully, had a living model, for design and not just
Sketching or stereograph portraits, the Indian’s were here beforehand
And served our country in numerous places and campaigns.
As we almost took to extinction like the buffalo herds, before restoration
On State/ national Parks, thanks to President a Theodore Roosevelt.
I have always liked the Indian head gold coins, the details are very appealing
I cannot even imagine having this type of coin, plus the foresight to hold onto it!
A very interesting article.
Good info, it’s hard to believe that gold coins were used as currency. Proofs were not always popular.