Liberty Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50) Value
1840–1907 · $2.50 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $250.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $300.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $400.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $700.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $2,100 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $10,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1854-S | Only 246 known struck — extremely rare | $50,000–$500,000 |
| 1841 | The Little Princess — no known business strikes despite reported mintage | $5,000–$30,000 |
| 1875 | Only 400 business strikes | $5,000–$30,000 |
| 1848 CAL. | Stamped CAL. for California Gold Rush gold | $10,000–$50,000 |
| 1842-D | Scarce Dahlonega issue | $1,000–$10,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Christian Gobrecht
- Years
- 1840–1907
- Denomination
- $2.50
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 18 mm
- Weight
- 4.18 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Liberty Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50): History & Background
The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was produced for nearly seven decades, making it one of the most enduring designs in American gold coinage. The coin features the classic coronet Liberty head by Christian Gobrecht on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Like its larger siblings, the $2.50 gold piece was struck at multiple mints including Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, Denver, and San Francisco. The IN GOD WE TRUST motto was added in 1866. Many dates in this series had extremely low mintages, and Charlotte and Dahlonega issues are especially scarce since those mints operated only during the pre-Civil War period.
How to Grade a Liberty Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →