Years
Designer
Bela Lyon Pratt
Composition
90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter
18 mm
Mass
4.18 g
Thickness
1.3 mm
Edge
Reeded
Mints
Philadelphia, Denver
Metal
Gold
Design
Incuse Indian portrait and eagle — devices sunken into the fields rather than raised. Unique (with the $5) in U.S. circulating coinage.
History
Pratt’s incuse design, pushed by Dr. William Sturgis Bigelow and blessed by Theodore Roosevelt’s coinage renaissance, was accused of collecting dirt. It did not kill anyone, despite contemporary medical panic. Denver issues of 1911, 1914, and 1925-D are the better dates; 1911-D is the key. Production stopped with the Depression. These small gold coins were jewelry, Christmas gifts, and pocket pieces — many are damaged.
Key dates
Varieties
1911-D · 1911-D $2.50
design · key
26 issues