$2.50 LIBERTY GOLD QUARTER EAGLE
The $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle was pressed by the US mint between 1840 and 1907. This particular design is sometimes also called “Coronet,” for the decoration in Liberty’s hair. During the 1830s, officials hoped to create a design that would serve as an enduring symbol of American gold coinage. Indeed, the Liberty Head circulated for almost 70 years, achieving unsurpassed longevity in U.S. history. The coin has been in circulation from the era of westward expansion to the dawn of World War.
The Mint started commissioning designs for the country’s new gold coinage in 1834. After several designs had been submitted, Christian Gobrecht’s Coronet was finally accepted in 1838. Gobrecht was an American engraver, sculptor, and an inventor. He took over as the third U.S. Mint Chief Engraver in 1840 but had previously held other positions in the Mint. Gobrecht is also famous for the Seated Liberty design of the silver coins and the Braided Hair Liberty Head design that of the large cents and half cents.
While the obverse image of Liberty’s profile changed in the 20th Century, the original essentially remained the same. The obverse side shows Liberty in profile facing left while her hair is pulled back into a bun that is held in place with a tie of stringed pearls. She also wears a coronet with the inscription “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, circle almost the entire of the coin while the mint date is located at the bottom.
The reverse side features the heraldic eagle, similar to the one that had been pressed into quarter eagles over the previous 30 years. However, Gobrecht modified the design a bit: the eagle is standing and clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing a country that prefers peace but is prepared to go to war. The eagle’s wings are spread, and a union shield is covering its chest. The legend “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the eagle around the top. The denomination “2 1/2 D” is found at the bottom.
The US Mint produced almost 12 million of Liberty Head quarter eagle coins from 1840 to 1907. They were struck in Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. As usual, coins minted in Philadelphia bear no mark. The marks for Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans are C, D, and O, respectively
The $2.50 Liberty Head gold eagle consists of 90% gold and 10% copper.
The Mint also produced a little over 4,000 proof coins. The early ones are extremely rare; only two or three pieces are believed to have survived. Proofs frequently have frosted white devices contrasting with deeply mirrored fields.
Most of the proofs minted after 1902 have an all-brilliant finish and feature no contrast between devices and field. Since the Liberty Head quarter eagle was in circulation for 68 years, it is exceptionally difficult for collectors to complete the series. Coins minted in Charlotte and Dahlonega are especially rare and expensive in mint condition. San Francisco and New Orleans issues are also scarce in AU and mint state.
The $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle are very attractive to those interested in numismatics as well as to those seeking to invest in gold.