$2 1/2 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle Certified MS64 (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 MS64, representing an uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation and strong overall quality for the grade. 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 for the $2.50 denomination, creating a design that would remain in production through 1907. Unlike the larger Liberty Head Half Eagle and Eagle, which received the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in 1866, the Quarter Eagle retained its original basic design throughout the series.

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. Many earlier issues entered circulation, while later Philadelphia issues were increasingly saved as gifts and collectibles, contributing to greater availability of some later dates in Mint State condition.

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.