$2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle
The $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle series, along with the half eagles of the same design type, represents a revolutionary and controversial segment of American numismatics. Coin World Staff Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned by President Roosevelt in 1905 to redesign the nation’s gold coinage. The famed sculptor began in earnest, preparing designs for the Indian Head $10 gold eagle and the $20 double eagle – but was not able to 
offer new designs for other gold coins before he died in 1907
The Indian Head design for both coins was introduced in 1908 and received mixed reviews. Work began on the $20 and then the $10. The famous coin designer Saint-Gaudens, who did the original work, was ill with cancer, and on August 3, 1907, he passed away. The work on the eagle and double eagle was completed by his assistant, Henry Herring. Eagles were first struck in the autumn and double eagles in December.
This left undid Roosevelt’s hope for the other denominations (like the $2.50 and $5 gold coins). Bela Lyon Pratt was contacted and in due course designed the motifs of the Indian Head quarter eagle and half eagle with Indian Head and eagle motifs. The design was unique in that the coin is recessed instead of raised.
The reverse of the $2.50 gold coin showcases an intricately-feathered American bald eagle standing upon a bundle of arrows facing left. The legend United States of America is above, and the denomination is at the lower border. The lower left and upper right fields are inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST, respectively.
The eagle portrayed here was influenced heavily by the eagle used on the reverse of the Indian $10 coin designed by Saint-Gaudens and reproduced at the request of President Roosevelt himself. A similar representation of the national bird was used by Saint-Gaudens on the reverse of the 1905 inauguration medal he did for the president.
When evaluating the value of these coins you want to pay close attention to the cheek and bonnet of the Native American. This is where wear/circulation will first start to show on the coin. Any $2.50 gold coin from 1911 with a D (for Denver) mint mark is very rare no matter the condition. Uncirculated versions of the 1911-D will sell for many thousands of dollars. Other $2.50 Indian gold coins are collectible. However, their true value will be strongly influenced by their condition. The nicer the coin, the more it will be worth.