$2.50 Quarter Eagle Coins (Early 1795-1839)

About The $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle Coin

The $2.50 Quarter Eagle Coins, also known as the "Quarter Eagles," were a type of gold coin produced by the United States Mint from 1795 to 1839. They were the first gold coins to be struck by the United States Mint and were initially intended to circulate as a means of commerce.

These gold coins were minted in various locations, including Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Due to their age and limited mintage, they are rare and treasured among collectors today.

About The $2.50 Quarter Eagle Design

The $2.50 Quarter Eagle Coins were first minted in 1796 and continued until 1929. However, the $2.50 Quarter Eagle Coins, minted from 1795-1839, have a different design from the later issues.

The obverse of $2.50 Quarter Eagle Coins features Liberty's profile with her hair flowing behind her. The word "LIBERTY" appears above her bust, while the date appears below it. Thirteen stars are also arranged around the bust to represent the original thirteen colonies.

On the reverse side, an eagle with outstretched wings is depicted, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The eagle is surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and the denomination "$2 1/2" appears below.

The $2.50 Quarter Eagle Coins underwent several design changes during their production, including changes to the size and placement of the stars and modifications to the eagle's appearance. Some of the most notable variations include the 1796 "No Stars" variety, which features no stars on the obverse, and the 1834 "Classic Head" variety, which features a different portrayal of Liberty on the obverse.

These coins were made of 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper and had a diameter of 18 millimeters. They were relatively small and popular for use in trade and commerce during the United States' early years. Today, these coins are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

History Of The $2.50 Quarter Eagle

The $2.50 Quarter Eagle was one of the first gold coins to be minted by the United States. The Coinage Act of 1792 authorized the creation of the $2.50 coin and other gold and silver denominations. The initial design featured a bust of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

The $2.50 Quarter Eagle was primarily intended for use in commerce to facilitate transactions between individuals and businesses. At its introduction, there was a shortage of small denomination coins in the United States, and the $2.50 Quarter Eagle helped to fill this gap.

The coin was minted sporadically during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Production was disrupted by various factors, including the War of 1812, the Panic of 1819, and a shortage of gold due to the California Gold Rush in the late 1840s.

Despite these challenges, the $2.50 Quarter Eagle remained a popular denomination. Its value fluctuated over time, as did the amount of gold used to mint the coin. During times of economic hardship, the gold content of the coin was sometimes reduced to stretch the government's supply of gold.

The $2.50 Quarter Eagle underwent several design changes throughout its history. In addition to the early design mentioned above, other variations included the "Capped Bust" design, which featured a different portrayal of Liberty on the obverse, and the "Indian Head" design, which replaced the eagle on the reverse with a Native American chief.

Production of the $2.50 Quarter Eagle continued until 1929 when the coin was discontinued due to the economic pressures of the Great Depression. Today, these coins are highly valued by collectors and investors for their historical significance and gold content.