Numismatic

1855 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle AU

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Struck in 1855 at the Philadelphia Mint, this gold quarter eagle represents a classic era of American coinage. With a composition of 90 percent gold, the coin contains 0.12094 troy ounces of precious metal. It remains a fascinating survivor from the years preceding the American Civil War, showcasing the artistry of the mid-nineteenth century. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her hair bound by a band inscribed with her name. A ring of thirteen stars encircles her, representing the original colonies, with the date 1855 positioned at the bottom. This elegant depiction was created by Christian Gobrecht and served as a staple of United States gold coinage for decades, with this specific design type minted from 1840 to 1907. On the reverse, Gobrecht's heraldic eagle commands attention, its breast protected by a striped shield. The bird holds arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing the nation's readiness for defense and desire for peace. Surrounding this central motif are the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination, abbreviated as 2 1/2 D.