Out of my entire collection of coins, this is without a doubt my most prized possession. I've never had anything to compare it to, so I didn't know if it is normal for the lettering and characters to appear as they do on this coin. Is this doubled die or is it the way that a $2.5 gold Indian piece is supposed to look? What can I expect a coin like this to be worth? (Taking the date and condition into consideration)
I have the entire set of $2.50 Indians. Yours is VF-XF worth about $275.00 to $300.00. If you want, most of the coins are in this price range. There is one that will set you back a few grand but the set can be completed. Very nice.
The wear on the Eagles feathers and talons on the reverse. On the obverse the wear on the headband, war bonnet and feathers. A small amount of wear is present on the cheek bone. There is a little too much wear for an AU grade in my opinion. To be an AU it should only show a trace of wear in those areas.
Thanks Collecting Nut, very informative and thorough as always. Considering that I will probably never get lucky enough to stumble up on one of these again without buying it, I don't think that I could ever get rid of it. I'm not sure if these types of coins will increase in value over the years, but I would like to think that they will. That's very impressive that you own the full set! Did you buy all of them? Just out of curiosity, what made you want the full set? (Other than the fact that Indian coins are amazing of course). I'd be interested in seeing some pictures of your collection whenever you get a chance to take some.
You should plan to keep it, like forever. lol Yes I bought everyone of them. You're not going to get one in change. The inclused design is so different from all other coins. Really awesome. There are only 15 coins to the set and only one of them is expensive. The 1911-D which comes in two types, a strong and a weak D. I have the strong D as it is worth more. In my opinion, this is the only US Gold series that the average coin collector can afford. It took me just over 2 1/2 years to assemble. If you have the Red Book by R. S. Yeoman look at the mintages and prices on all gold coins by type and you'll see what I mean. The incluse design has a neat history which you should look up. The public rejected these coins so the mintages are low. The $2.50 Indians are readily available at prices one can afford. In circulated grades you can pick up 13 of them for around $300, another for under $400 but that 1911-D will cost you a few thousand. I'll buy a weak D if I find one at a reasonable price but I'm really not looking at the moment. I have other interests that need to be satisfied.
The design is called 'incuse' - it's pressed into the field instead of being raised above it, like most US coins
local coin shops, or even Ebay just read feedback carefully on Ebay sellers and make sure they can/will take returns if you are not Satisfied with your purchase. ask about the weight of the gold coin. if it does not meet the weight standard found in the red book be wary of the purchase
True story...when I first started collecting (early to mid 50's) I was in our town's coin shop when a guy came in to sell a $2.50 gold piece. He said he got it for change as a penny!!! Still remember that.
In all honesty, I think you are better served by buying slabbed $2.50 Indians. It is one of the most counterfeited types.
