None (for Philadelphia,
PA) left of the arrowheads on the reverse.
The 1914 Indian Head quarter eagle
has the second-lowest mintage for the entire series.
It is a condition rarity in gem grades, and easily
ranks as one of the top-four condition rarities in
gem MS-65 or finer grades for this series. Even in
lower Mint State grades, this coin is a challenge,
with fewer coins reported than almost any other issue
besides the 1911-D issue. In most cases the 1914 quarter
eagle is about on par in terms of rarity in Mint State
grade. A significant number of the examples certified
show evidence of light to moderate circulation, and
these were not saved in large numbers at the time
of coinage. The devices are sharp and the surfaces
show strong luster as compared with other years. This
date was long considered the second rarest issue to
obtain in gem grades, but summary PCGS Population
Reports and NGC Census data indicate that the 1914
has been nudged out of second position by its brother
the 1914-D in gem grades. The authors have noted that
the 1912 quarter eagle in gem condition is just a
hair behind the 1914 issue in terms of rarity.
The mintage figure dropped significantly
in 1914 with nearly a half million fewer Quarter Eagles
produced at the Philadelphia mint than in the previous
year. The 1914 is the second rarest Indian Head Quarter
Eagles in terms of its overall rarity and it is one
of the rarest in high grades. Gem examples are very
rare.
STRIKE: Both the
obverse and the reverse show very sharp detail with
almost complete definition in the centers. There is
sometimes weakness at the central obverse behind the
ear of the Indian, but this tends to be unobtrusive.
Many 1914 Quarter Eagles show buckling of the dies at
the borders and this produces a somewhat "swelled"
appearance. This does not affect a coin's grade or value.
SURFACES: This issue is characterized
by heavily abraded surfaces. The 1914 is among the hardest
Indian Head Quarter Eagles to find with clean surfaces
and many also show mint-made spots or patches of granularity.
LUSTER: The luster is subdued
and below average in relation to other dates in this
series. It usually has a decidedly granular appearance.
This is further compounded by the fact that many have
been cleaned or dipped. This is probably the hardest
Indian Head Quarter Eagle to find with good luster.
COLORATION: The
natural coloration that is most often seen on 1914 Quarter
Eagles is a medium to deep yellow-gold. Some uncleaned
pieces may exhibit attractive greenish hues as well.
This is an extremely hard issue to find with original
color and a number of coins that have not been cleaned
or dipped do not display especially pleasing hues.
EYE APPEAL: The
level of eye appeal is below average. While most 1914
Quarter Eagles are very well struck, most have inferior
luster and noticeably abraded surfaces. Any piece that
has good eye appeal is very scarce and is eagerly sought
by serious collectors of this series.
Condition
Census: To qualify for the Condition Census,
a 1914 Indian Head Quarter Eagle must grade Mint State-65.
Proofs:
117 Proofs were struck in 1914. This is the second lowest
mintage figure for the Indian Head Quarter Eagle design.
The survival rate is higher than for the 1912-1913 issues
and an estimated 60-70 are known. Unlike the 1913, the
1914 is not often found in Proof-65 and higher grades.
Most Proofs are in the Proof-63 to Proof-64 range and
gems are very rare. The texture is a fine sandblast
finish that is found only on this year and the 1915.
The coloration is a dark green hue that is a shade lighter
than that seen on the 1915 Proofs.
