The $2.50 Quarter Eagle, authorized alongside the $5 Half Eagle in 1792, holds a special place in U.S. coinage history. It has undergone design changes, with the Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Head design, minted from 1841 to 1907, becoming the longest-running design without major alterations.
Gold Content – 0.12094 oz.
Gross Weight – 4.18 g
Composition – 90% gold, 10% copper
Coin Diameter – 18 mm
Thickness – 1.27 mm
Mint Dates – 1840-1907
An interesting historical footnote is the "California" Quarter Eagle. In 1848, gold from California was used to mint a special issue of $2.50 coins with "CAL" inscribed above the eagle on the reverse.
The $2.50 Liberty Head stands as a testament to the evolution of American coinage, showcasing a long-lasting design and a reminder of the nation's gold rush era.
The $2.50 Liberty Head shares design elements with other Liberty gold coins of the era, particularly the $10 and $20 denominations. The obverse features Lady Liberty adorned with a coronet and surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse depicts a powerful bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and a shield. A notable difference from some other Liberty coins is the inclusion of the denomination ("2 1/2 D.") on the reverse.
The Philadelphia Mint was the primary producer of the $2.50 Liberty throughout its circulation. Before the Civil War, mints in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans also contributed to its production. The San Francisco Mint occasionally minted these coins as well.
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