1909 Indian Quarter Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. Proof-63 (NGC). CAC. Delightful deep gold surfaces exhibit the soft satin finish for which this issue is known. Both sides are fully struck with razor sharp definition throughout the design. They also offer an uncommonly smooth appearance for a survivor 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 contemporary numismatists failed to order the Proof 1909. Much of the mintage failed to sell, 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 with fewer than 100 coins extant in all grades (John W. Dannreuther, 2018, offers an estimate of 50 to 60 survivors). A small CAC population further highlights the significance and significant nature of this bidding opportunity for astute gold specialists. PCGS# 7958. NGC ID: 289H. CAC Population: 13 in all grades.
