The 1915 Indian Head Quarter Eagle is the final
Indian Head Quarter Eagle to be produced until this design
was resurrected in 1925. It is more available in higher grades
than the 1909-1914 Philadelphia issues, but it is considerably
more difficult to obtain than any of the issues struck in
the 1920's.
Only 100 Proof 1915 Quarter Eagles
( 1915 Indian Head Quater Eagles ) were produced. This is
the rarest Proof Indian Head Quarter Eagle in terms of overall
rarity. There an estimated 35-45 pieces known. Survivors are
usually in the Proof-63 to Proof-64 range and Gems are very
rare. In fact, this is the second rarest Proof issue in high
grades, trailing only the 1909.
None (for Philadelphia,
PA) left of the arrowheads on the reverse.
This is the final year of Proofs issued
for this series. Collector demand had fallen in most
years, and Proof gold coinage was halted in 1916 for
regular-issue gold denominations (a few McKin-ley
Commemorative gold dollars were struck in Proof in
1916).
The 1915 Indian Head quarter eagles
were struck in the identical finish as the 1914 issue,
employing the darker and coarser finish to the coins.
Long considered to be the key date to the Proof series,
the 1915 issue has earned its reputation as a rarity
with few offerings and constant demand.
Today, the major grading services
tally 104 pieces in Proof of this date, which compares
favorably with the 1909 Indian Head quarter eagle
that has just 109 pieces graded, and may now be considered
the rarest issue of the Proof series.
Regardless, the 1915 quarter eagle
Proof has always commanded attention, with a tiny
mintage of just 100 pieces. Also being the final year
of issue, precious few of these coins remain in gem
grades to satisfy collector demand.
STRIKE: The 1915
Quarter Eagle is a well struck issue. The obverse is
quite well detailed with the exception of a few of the
feathers at the center, which may sometimes show slight
weakness. The reverse is quite sharp with bold feathers
on the eagle's wing and breasts.
SURFACES: The surfaces tend to
be cleaner than on the 1912-1914 Philadelphia Quarter
Eagles. Most are abraded and may show scratches in the
fields. But there are some very clean pieces known and
the collector, if he is patient, should be able to locate
a 1915 Quarter Eagle that has reasonably choice surfaces.
LUSTER: There are two distinct
types of luster seen on this date. The majority of coins
have the dull, slightly grainy texture that is seen
on most of the 1909-1914 Philadelphia issues. A smaller
number (around 10-15%) have excellent luster that is
more frosty in texture. An example with this frosty
luster is considered far more desirable by collectors.
COLORATION: The
natural coloration is a medium to deep yellow-gold with
some greenish highlights. A few show a deeper coppery-orange
hue. It is still possible to locate a 1915 with nice
original color, but such coins are becoming more difficult
to find with the passing of every year.
EYE APPEAL: The
eye appeal is usually average to slightly above average.
Most are well struck and have fairly clean surfaces.
Some show good luster and color as well. But, there
are only a small handful of superb pieces known to exist
and most of these are in tightly-held private collections.
Condition
Census: To qualify for the Condition Census,
a 1915 Indian Head Quarter Eagle must be Mint State-65.
Proofs:
Only 100 Proof 1915 Quarter Eagles ( 1915 Indian Head
Quater Eagles ) were produced. This is the rarest Proof
Indian Head Quarter Eagle in terms of overall rarity.
There an estimated 35-45 pieces known. Survivors are
usually in the Proof-63 to Proof-64 range and Gems are
very rare. In fact, this is the second rarest Proof
issue in high grades, trailing only the 1909. The surface
texture and appearance are very similar to the 1914
and the coloration is similar as well.
