GOLD COIN FIELD GUIDE
Liberty Head $2.50
The Liberty quarter eagle is a $2.50 coin. Early branch-mint pieces and special issues can be far more significant than their small gold weight suggests.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1840–1907
- Composition
- 90% gold
- Standard gross weight
- 4.18 g
- Fine gold per coin
- 0.12094 troy oz
- Face value
- $2.50
Quarter eagle means $2.50, not a quarter ounce
The historical name refers to the denomination: one quarter of a ten-dollar eagle. Its fine-gold weight is not one quarter of a troy ounce.
The 1848 CAL. issue needs its own authentication and comparison. The special reverse marking is not a feature to infer from the date or from an obverse-only photo.
Where to look. Confirm the $2.50 denomination and an 1840–1907 Liberty Head issue. Look for the mintmark on the reverse; earlier designs are outside this profile.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
Issue distinction. A difference in issue, finish, or format that must be identified before comparison.
- Key date
1854-S
A major regular-issue rarity. A date and mintmark match still requires authentication.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Issue distinction
1848 CAL.
A special Philadelphia issue with CAL. stamped above the eagle on the reverse. The mark must be attributed, not assumed from the date.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.12094 fine troy ounces of gold per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce gold quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.