Lot 1697
1908-D. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and frosty with light natural toning. When Bela Lyon Pratt's new Indian head motif was launched upon the American waters in 1908, the public was surprised by the innovative design. Never before in American numismatics had a coin designer broken with tradition in such an overt way as did Pratt. For what Pratt did was to recess the design below the surface of the coin. His Half Eagles and Quarter Eagles were aesthetically challenging to make. In this instance, Pratt chose to honor a real American Indian, not some made-up Greek goddess wearing a fancy headdress. And because of this, his design helped to propel American coin design into the World Class league (PCGS # 8511) .
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600.
The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection.
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| Realized $1,898 |
