1929 $2.50 MS64+ Certification #84015701, PCGS #7953

Final Year of Issue, Gem Original, Satiny Luster, Honey-Gold. Approved by CAC. 1929 brought the $2.5 Indian gold series to its conclusion. Akers opines that this date is unusual in that specimens can be located through the MS63 level but higher grades are quite elusive. For example, PCGS indicates that the MS65 populations is about 12% that of MS64 with only 22 finer in MS65+ and higher. This 1929 exhibits satiny luster across the center device with steely fields appearing under a bright light. The coloration is an even honey-gold deeper toning on the reverse. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.

David Akers (1975/88)

This is an unusual issue in that it is easy to find in MS-63 or lower condition but surprisingly difficult to locate in MS-64 or better grade. Gems are rare without a doubt, considerably more so than any of the other late issues. Why this is so I really have no idea but I can state that I have not seen all that many 1929 quarter eagles that would grade a full MS-65 by today's stringent standards. A few superb, nearly perfect pieces are known but in MS-67 condition, the 1929 is clearly a major rarity.

The strike on a typical 1929 is very good although some specimens are not quite as sharp as the several issues immediately preceding this one. Many examples also show obvious signs of die buckling at the borders. Lustre is nearly always very good to excellent and the color is most often a rich yellow gold with a greenish tint.

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David Hall

The 1929 is the major condition rarity of the later date $2.5 Indians. It is really rare in superb condition. The one MS67 was graded by PCGS in August, 1987. I remember the coin and it was really spectacular. I haven't seen the coin since and it hasn't appeared in any auction that I know of.