The 1912 is one of the scarcest Philadelphia Indian Head Quarter Eagles and it is among the rarest dates in the entire series in the higher Uncirculated grades. For the collector putting together a very high quality set, the 1912 is always a true “stopper.”

Most 1912 Indian Head Quarter Eagles show a good overall quality of strike. On the obverse, there may be some weakness at the center, but it is possible to locate a piece with almost complete definition on the feathers. The reverse is nearly always boldly struck with very sharp detail on the wings and breast. On late strikes, there may be some weakness at the borders and the tips of the stars may appear to flow into the rim.

Surface Quality and Luster of the 1912 Quarter Eagle

The surfaces are usually noticeably abraded and many show mint-made spotting. A 1912 Quarter Eagle that is very clean is quite hard to locate. The reverse field above the motto is sometimes very granular; this is also mint-made and is not considered detracting.

This date is known for having a peculiar granular luster that tends not to be especially “flashy.” With lackluster coins being the norm, any piece that has vibrant luster is considered highly desirable.

The natural coloration ranges from medium orange-gold to green-gold and even a light to medium yellow-gold. It is hard to locate a 1912 Quarter Eagle that still has its full original color intact.