$2.50 Quarter-Eagle, Liberty Type

The $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a classic American gold coin that played an essential role in everyday commerce throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. First introduced in 1840 and produced until 1907, it was part of the broader Liberty Head gold coin series designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The Quarter Eagle’s modest denomination and elegant design made it a practical and widely used coin during an era of economic expansion, westward migration, and civil conflict. With over 60 years of production and multiple mint locations, it remains a staple for collectors of pre-1933 U.S. gold.

Key Features:

• Purity: Each $2.50 Liberty Quarter Eagle is composed of 90% gold (21.6 karats) and 10% copper, with a total gold content of 0.1209 troy ounces. The added copper enhances durability, allowing these small coins to endure circulation while retaining design detail.

• Design: The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies and the date of issue beneath. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, grasping an olive branch and arrows. From 1866 onward, most coins include the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the eagle. The design reflects the restrained elegance and patriotic symbolism of 19th-century American coinage.

• Denomination: Bearing a face value of $2.50, the Quarter Eagle served as a practical gold coin for small-to-moderate purchases. It was widely circulated, particularly in the southern and western states, where gold coins were more frequently used in day-to-day transactions.

• Legal Tender: As an official U.S. Mint issue, the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was recognized as legal tender during its time in circulation. Although no longer used in commerce, it remains a legally recognized gold coin and a valuable relic of the country’s monetary history.

• Collectability: The $2.50 Liberty Quarter Eagle is a popular entry point for collectors of U.S. gold coins due to its manageable size and long production run. Coins were struck at several mints—including Philadelphia, Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S)—with certain dates and mintmarks commanding strong premiums. Southern mint issues and pre-Civil War dates are especially prized. Whether collected by type or by date and mint, the Liberty Quarter Eagle offers broad appeal and deep historical context.

Elegant, compact, and deeply rooted in American history, the $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a cornerstone of 19th-century U.S. coinage and a cherished addition to any classic gold collection.