1914 Proof Indian Head Half Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$246,750 PR68 03-29-2017 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1914 Proof Indian Head Half Eagle is a proof Gold Half Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Head Half Eagles 1908-1929 series. With a mintage of 125, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress, designed in incuse (sunken) relief — a revolutionary departure from traditional raised relief coinage and the reverse displays a standing eagle on a bundle of arrows with an olive branch, in incuse (sunken) relief. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $24K. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8545.