Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, commonly referred to as the Quarter Eagle, is a remarkable example of 19th-century American minting craftsmanship. First introduced in 1840 and produced until 1907, this coin bridged generations of American history—from the antebellum era through the Civil War, Reconstruction, and into the dawn of the modern industrial age. Minted in .900 fine gold (90% gold and 10% copper for durability), it contains 0.12094 troy ounces of pure gold, with a total weight of 4.18 grams.

The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin was designed by Christian Gobrecht, the U.S. Mint's third Chief Engraver and a key figure in the evolution of American coinage. The obverse of the coin features a profile of Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars representing the original colonies encircle her portrait, and the minting year is inscribed below. The reverse depicts the classic heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left—symbols of peace and strength. The eagle's chest is adorned with a shield, and it is surrounded by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "2 1/2 D.", denoting the coin's face value. Coins minted after 1866 also feature the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on a scroll above the eagle's head.

The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin holds enduring value for both investors and collectors, offering a compelling combination of historic significance, gold content, and rarity. While it contains just over a tenth of a troy ounce of gold, its value often surpasses bullion due to its collectible appeal and pre-1933 U.S. gold status.