Gold Quarter Eagles

The Eagle is the $10 coin, so the denomination on the Quarter Eagle is $2.50. These coins contain about 1/8 ounce of gold, with a fineness of 0.900 for later pieces, and about 0.899 for very early pieces. The gold price can be less of a factor in low mintage coins. The Quarter Eagle coins first minted in the late 1700, with the earliest coins dated 1776. After several varieties, the Coronet Head coin endured from 1840 until the major change of 1908. Beginning in 1908 through 1929, with a major gap between 1916 and 1924, the Indian Head Quarter Eagle was in use. The incused, or recessed, design was used. This gives the coin a completely different appearance. Unfortunately, the incuse coins wear, due to the fine ridges that are frequently pressed and brushed with the fingers. In addition to the problems of wear with the Indian Head coins, all coins were supposed to be turned in to the United States government when owning gold coins became illegal. So, mintage numbers are unable to determine the number of surviving coins. These are now highly prized by numismatists.