1901 $2.50 Liberty NGC PR67 Cameo

Introduction

The 1901 $2.50 Liberty Head Gold Quarter Eagle NGC PR67 Cameo is a breathtaking example of late 19th-century U.S. proof gold. Struck to exacting standards and preserved in superb Proof 67 Cameo condition, this coin displays extraordinary contrast between deeply mirrored fields and frosted design elements. With its combination of technical precision, aesthetic beauty, and remarkable rarity, this piece represents the pinnacle of pre-1933 numismatic artistry.

History

The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle series was introduced in 1840 under the direction of Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht and produced until 1907. By 1901, proof gold coinage had reached an era of exceptional craftsmanship at the Philadelphia Mint. That year, only 223 Proof Liberty Head Quarter Eagles were struck, each meticulously produced using polished dies and specially prepared planchets.

Surviving specimens are scarce, and examples certified as PR67 Cameo rank among the finest known. The rarity of high-grade proof gold coins from this era, combined with their historical connection to America’s classical coinage period, makes the 1901 issue a prized addition to any advanced collection.

Design

The obverse features the classic Liberty portrait facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with *LIBERTY*, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date 1901 below. The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 2½ D.

Gobrecht’s timeless design captures the balance and elegance characteristic of 19th-century American coinage. In this Proof 67 Cameo example, Liberty and the eagle exhibit frosty, detailed devices that stand out vividly against the mirror-like fields, embodying the artistic excellence of the Philadelphia Mint’s golden age.