1908 INDIAN $2.5 PR66

GEM MATTE PROOF SURFACES. ONLY 236 STRUCK. This issue's mintage of 236 pieces is generous for a 20th century proof gold delivery, and it is indicative of the fact that the Mint expected strong collector sales for proof Quarter Eagles that year. The anticipation is obvious since 1908 witnessed the debut of Bela Lyon Pratt's revolutionary incuse design. Unfortunately for the Mint, however, 1908 is also the year that it abandoned the all-brilliant proofing style in favor of the matte proofing techniques that had long been popular among the mint masters of Europe. The latter finish proved unpopular with contemporary Americans, and many proof 1908 Two-and-a-Halves were melted as unsold in the Mint. On the other hand, enough pieces were ordered before year's end that the 1908 now ranks as the most plentiful proof in the Indian Quarter Eagle series. According to David W. Akers and Jeff Ambio ( A Handbook of 20th-Cenury United States Gold Coins: 1907-1933 , 2008), 125-165 examples have survived at all levels of preservation.