1851 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle : A Collector’s Guide.
The 1851 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50 gold coin) is a significant piece of American numismatic history, minted during the California Gold Rush era.
Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin features classic Liberty Head imagery and was struck at three U.S. Mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Charlotte (C), and New Orleans (O).
The Quarter Eagle series was first minted in 1796, with the Liberty Head design introduced in 1840.
The 1851 Quarter Eagle circulated widely, primarily in the southern and western U.S. where gold was more commonly used.
The 1851 Philadelphia issue is the most common due to its high mintage.
Charlotte-minted coins (C) are the rarest and most valuable due to their lower survival rate.
Look for well-struck details, particularly on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers.
The 1851 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a fascinating coin from an era of American expansion and gold wealth, making it a valuable addition to any numismatic collection.