Lot 436
1928 Indian Head Two and a Half Dollar Gold Coin
Sold December 12, 2025
- Price realized
- $425
Price realized is the winning bid (hammer price) and excludes buyer’s premium.
About this lot
Estimated Value: $500-800
Origin: Philadelphia, U.S.A.
Denomination: 2 1/2 Dollars
Year: 1928
Mint: Philadelphia Mint
Grade/Condition: Estimated: MS
Metal: 90% gold and 10% copper
Weight (+/- 0.2g): 4.2 Grams
Additional Description: The 1928 Indian Head $2.50 gold coin is a striking example of Bela Lyon Pratt’s innovative incuse design, a departure from the traditional raised relief of U.S. coinage. On the obverse, a Native American chief is depicted in profile, his full headdress recessed into the surface, lending the portrait a sculptural depth and a quiet dignity. The reverse features a flying eagle, also incuse, symbolizing strength and freedom while complementing the obverse’s elegance. Struck in 90 percent gold, the 1928 issue carries both intrinsic value and a substantial tactile presence. Well-preserved examples exhibit a soft, warm luster that highlights the recessed details, with the design’s unusual style helping to preserve its artistry over decades. As part of the celebrated Indian Head quarter eagle series, the 1928 coin exemplifies the U.S. Mint’s willingness to combine innovation with national symbolism. Its recessed relief, historical resonance, and refined execution make it a prized piece for collectors seeking both aesthetic and numismatic significance in early twentieth-century gold coinage.
Lot details
- Lot
- 436
- Auction
- Gold and Silver Showcase
- Closed
- December 12, 2025
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