The bidding window is closing soon for one of the rarest gems in the Indian Head Quarter Eagle series – the 1911-D “Strong D” Indian Head Quarter Eagle gold coin. This piece, which is currently up for grabs at GreatCollections, holds significant value for collectors due to its rarity and historical allure. The 1911-D coin, graded MS65 by PCGS and approved by CAC, has earned the special designation of “Strong D” due to the well-defined Denver mintmark.
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Why the 1911-D Indian Head Coin is So Rare
The 1911-D quarter eagle stands out with the lowest mintage in the entire Indian Head Quarter Eagle series – only 55,680 coins were produced. To give some perspective, the 1914 Philadelphia issue, which ranks second in rarity, had almost four times the number produced.
Back in 1908, when the incuse design was introduced, it wasn’t universally loved. This led to fewer people saving these coins, especially those with the distinctive 1911-D mintmark. As a result, these coins are even rarer than the mintage numbers would imply.
High-Grade 1911-D Quarter Eagles: Rare Finds
Finding a 1911-D Indian Head Quarter Eagle in high mint condition is no easy task. Although Indian Head coins are typically well-struck, high-grade 1911-D pieces are scarce.
These coins, particularly in high Mint State, are highly targeted by counterfeiters, who often modify Philadelphia issues by adding a “D” mintmark. For this reason, collectors are advised to purchase certified coins directly from reliable sources.
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The “Strong D” Versus “Weak D” Designation
Many of the 1911-D coins come with a faintly struck “D” mintmark, which has led to the “Weak D” designation by NGC. PCGS, however, focuses on those with a clearer, well-struck “Strong D” mintmark, making these versions even more coveted. Among the certified “Strong D” 1911-D coins, PCGS reports only about 30 graded at MS65, with a mere six in higher grades.
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Recent Prices and Bidding
These rare pieces have recently seen auction prices ranging between $55,000 and $84,000, though the latter price is an exceptional high. Currently, with a top bid of $41,000, this 1911-D Strong D gem remains a hot item on GreatCollections, capturing attention from seasoned and new collectors alike.
Collectors interested in browsing similar auctions or past sales can explore GreatCollections’ extensive archive, featuring over 600,000 certified coins and banknotes.