$2 1/2 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle Certified MS61 (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a classic United States gold coin produced from 1840 through 1907. Designed by U.S. Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht, the series features a traditional portrait of Liberty and enjoyed one of the longest largely unchanged design runs in U.S. coinage. This example is certified MS61, indicating an uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle debuted in 1840, replacing the earlier Classic Head design. Christian Gobrecht adapted his Coronet Liberty motif, which had first appeared on the $10 Eagle in 1838, for the smaller $2.50 denomination. The design remained in production through 1907, spanning much of the 19th century and the opening years of the 20th century.

During its long production run, Liberty Head Quarter Eagles were struck at five U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Unlike the larger Liberty Head gold denominations, the Quarter Eagle did not receive the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in 1866, leaving its basic design largely unchanged throughout the series.

Design

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Her hair is pulled back into a bun and secured with a string of beads. Thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait, while the date appears below.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the design and the denomination 2 1/2 D. appears below. Branch-mint issues carry a mintmark beneath the eagle, while Philadelphia issues have no mintmark.