1909 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-65 (NGC).Delightful golden yellow surfaces exhibit the bright satin finish for which this issue is known. It is fully struck with razor sharp definition throughout the design. Both sides also offer an uncommonly smooth appearance for a coin from this 139-piece mintage. The 1909 is the second issue in the Proof Indian quarter eagle series, and it introduces the Satin Finish style for this type. Its predecessor, the 1908, was produced with a coarse grain Sandblast Finish that proved unpopular with contemporary collectors who were used to the brilliant and cameo Proofs of the Liberty Head era. Perhaps because they were already disenchanted with the Proof 1908, many numismatists failed to order examples of the Proof 1909. Much of the mintage failed to sell, as a result, and the coins left on hand eventually were destroyed through melting in the Mint. Today the 1909 is one of the rarest Proof Indian quarter eagles in an absolute sense with fewer than 100 coins extant in all grades. In Proof-65 and higher grades this is the rarest issue of the type, a fact that highlights the importance of this bidding opportunity for advanced gold specialists.
