1908 $2.50 MS63 Certification #10538064, PCGS #7939

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1908 is definitely one of the most common issues of the series, and Mint State specimens up to the MS-63 and MS-64 levels can be obtained without too much difficulty. In MS-65 the issue is scarce but there are still a subatantial enough number around that one can be located with only a little effort. In MS-65 or better condition the 1908 is the most common Indian Head quarter eagle, probably by a fair margin. Being the first year of issue, many were saved as souvenirs or novelties and, as a result, there are a fair number of superb quality, near perfect examples of this date in existence.

The 1908 is typically well struck on the obverse but the reverse has a noticeable lack of detail on the eagle's wing. This is not the result of a weak strike but rather stems from a lack of die detail. (The die work was improved on later issues in the series.) The color is usually a medium greenish gold and the lustre is good but not exceptional. Most specimens have a rather "soft" frosty or sometimes even slightly satiny appearance.