1927 Indian Head Quarter Eagle

About This Coin

The 1927 Indian Head Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Indian Head Quarter Eagles 1908-1929 series. The obverse features a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress, designed in incuse (sunken) relief — a revolutionary departure from traditional raised relief coinage, while the reverse displays a standing eagle on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 4.18 grams, 18 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Indian Head Quarter Eagle and Half Eagle share an unprecedented incuse (sunken relief) design by Bela Lyon Pratt, commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of his campaign to beautify American coinage. The incuse design was controversial — critics argued the recessed surfaces would collect germs and be harder to stack. Despite initial criticism, the incuse design is now highly prized. The 1911-D (mintage 55,680) is the key date. The series offers a complete set obtainable by advanced collectors.