$2 1/2 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle BU

Introduction

The $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle BU offers a Brilliant Uncirculated example of one of the longest-running designs in classic U.S. gold coinage. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was struck in 90% gold and contains approximately 0.1209 troy oz of pure gold. Its uncirculated condition preserves the classic design without wear from circulation, combining historic U.S. coinage with substantial precious metal content.

History

The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was introduced in 1840, continuing the $2.50 gold denomination that had been part of U.S. coinage since the nation's earliest years. Christian Gobrecht adapted his Liberty Head design for the denomination, creating a design that would remain in production through 1907.

Over its 68-year production history, Liberty Head Quarter Eagles were struck at the Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco Mints. Unlike several other U.S. gold denominations of the era, the basic design remained largely unchanged throughout the series, making it one of the longest-running designs in American coinage history.

These compact gold coins circulated during a period of significant expansion and change in the United States, spanning the years before the Civil War through the beginning of the 20th century. The exact date and mint of the coin received may vary.

Design

The obverse features Christian Gobrecht's left-facing portrait of Liberty with her hair pulled back and secured with a string of beads. She wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait and the date appears below.

The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and a Union shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the design, while the denomination 2 1/2 D. appears below. The presence and style of the mintmark vary according to the issuing Mint.